Should Akhmetov and Firtash be afraid?
After the sanctions imposed against Viktor Medvedchuk Ihor Kolomoisky was sanctioned alongside Taras Kozak. However, while the sanctions against Medvedchuk and Kozak were imposed by the Ukrainian government, the sanctions against Kolomoisky were imposed by the United States.
Having been subjected to personal American sanctions, the co-owner of the Privat Group now risks losing his political influence. However, it appears the oligarch anticipated some kind of attack and has therefore begun regrouping his forces in parliament.
However, his relationship with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will now be key to his future. Will the authorities, following the American sanctions, begin criminal prosecution of the oligarch within Ukraine? Currently, according to experts, the situation appears to be that the president will try to exploit the situation not to destroy the oligarch and his business, but to "tame" him, so that he and his influence group in the Rada will carry out all of Bankova's orders.
We looked into who might be next, whom the Ukrainian or Western authorities will try to “deoligarchize” Vesti.ua.
The West approves of de-oligarchization in Ukraine
As US Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted after imposing sanctions against Kolomoisky, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's actions speak for themselves: in less than two years in office, he has accomplished far more for de-oligarchization than any previous president, without pompous slogans or populism. The US noted that the fight against oligarchs is not just about criminal liability. It also involves creating conditions in Ukraine that allow businesses to thrive in a transparent, competitive environment, preventing large financial groups from dominating the market or influencing media and political decisions. Every fair decision in this direction will help Ukraine become a strong and truly independent state.
According to Andriy Zolotarev, director of the Third Sector Center, sanctions against Kolomoisky are just the beginning. In 2021, the struggle between the overseas "alien" and the Ukrainian oligarchic "predator" will enter its final phase. Ihor Kolomoisky is first on this list. Next could be Oleksandr Yaroslavsky for supporting China in the Motor Sich deal. Firtash will be remembered. Late last year, a "black mark" in the form of the investigative film "The Heir" was also sent to Rinat Akhmetov.
Should Akhmetov and Firtash be afraid?
Shortly before the imposition of sanctions against Kolomoisky, Zelenskyy's press secretary, Yulia Mendel, spoke about de-oligarchization. She wrote a column for the Atlantic Council in which she mentioned both Ihor Kolomoisky and Dmitry FirtashMendel's position cannot diverge from Zelenskyy's, so Kolomoisky isn't the only one who needs to step up his game in the near future.
Political scientist Andriy Zolotarev told Vesti.ua that the US plans to dismantle the Ukrainian oligarchic system in the next few years. The battle has already begun, and Kolomoisky is only the first casualty.
"The US has signaled that it will provide strong support in the fight against the oligarchs. Kolomoisky is at the top of this list because Washington considers him a poacher and a criminal. Next, they could target Dmitry Firtash. Rinat Akhmetov should be concerned; it's no coincidence that the film 'The Heir' was released by a US-friendly media outlet. They'll also target Oleksandr Yaroslavsky, who was implicated in the Motor Sich deal with Chinese citizens," says Zolotarev.
Political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko also speaks of the danger to Firtash. As he previously told Vesti.ua, Firtash could face questions regarding his chemical business in Crimea. Rinat Akhmetov, meanwhile, has allegedly already had all of his enterprises in the uncontrolled territories "squeezed out."
Volodymyr Zelenskyy plays a key role in this fight. Joe Biden and his administration expect systematic action from the Ukrainian president.
"Zelensky is expected to formalize de-oligarchization legislatively. This could include, for example, introducing a tax on withdrawn capital. They expect the security system to work and judicial reform. He will be encouraged in every possible way," Zolotarev said.
FILE: Viktor Pinchuk: Ukraine's richest son-in-law
Subscribe to our channels in Telegram, Facebook, Twitter, VC — Only new faces from the section CRYPT!