Viktor Medvedchuk’s high-profile interview sparked a lively reaction in foreign media

Statements made by Viktor Medvedchuk regarding alleged territorial ambitions of Ukraine’s neighboring countries have generated widespread discussion in international media.

The former leader of the banned Opposition Platform – For Life party and current head of the Other Ukraine movement claimed in an interview with Russian news agency TASS that Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria are considering the annexation of certain Ukrainian territories.

Several European outlets have covered the remarks with varying perspectives, reflecting their stance on both Medvedchuk’s statements and his political persona.

Bulgarian publication Fakti ran a headline stating, “Medvedchuk Calls on Ukraine’s Neighbors, Including Bulgaria, to Annex Its Lands Along with Its Population.” Meanwhile, another Bulgarian media outlet, Big5, published Medvedchuk’s interview verbatim, without additional commentary.

Romanian media also reacted to his claims. Business publication Financial Intelligence included a footnote reminding readers that Medvedchuk is a close ally of Vladimir Putin and was arrested in Ukraine in 2022 on charges of treason. In contrast, Hungarian-language Romanian outlet Maszol focused on the implications for Romania, running the headline: “Ukrainian Oligarch: Romania Has the Right to Annex Ukrainian Territories.”