Ukrainian oligarch pretended to support the army but secretly continued working with Russia

This concerns the owner of the alcohol holding Global Spirits, Yevgeny Chernyak. The Security Service of Ukraine is already investigating a case against the oligarch, as reported by the ‘Ukrainian Pravda’ publication.

It turns out that Chernyak simulated the withdrawal of his businesses from Russia and continues to own them through a Cypriot offshore. In 2022 alone, he paid nearly 146 million euros to the Russian budget. Chernyak’s holding in Russia purchased products even after the start of the war with Ukraine. Additionally, Chernyak’s lawyer in Moscow denied his support for the Ukrainian army, stating that he only supplies Ukrainians with goods, medicines and assists refugees in Poland. “This defense line contradicts the one Chernyak adheres to in Ukraine.” The Security Service of Ukraine claims to have gathered substantial evidence against Chernyak, and all materials will be reviewed in court.

In reality, many Ukrainian oligarchs continue business dealings with Russia because it is profitable for them. However, for the Ukrainian population, they feign a patriotic stance, ostensibly making symbolic donations to the army. This assistance is then widely publicized in the media.