Taruta Reveals Medvedchuk's Role as a Go-Between for Ukrainian and Russian Presidents

Viktor Medvedchuk's Activities

According to Главком: In an interview with journalist Natalka Vlasenko, former head of the Donetsk Regional State Administration, Serhiy Taruta, discussed the activities of Viktor Medvedchuk. Medvedchuk is a former pro-Russian Ukrainian politician now accused of treason. Taruta stated that Medvedchuk acted as an intermediary for communications between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia, a role he claims began during the era of Leonid Kravchuk. He emphasized that Medvedchuk played a significant part in shaping political relations that continued through subsequent presidencies.

According to Taruta, Medvedchuk was a 'convenient' channel for Ukrainian presidents including Kravchuk, Kuchma, Yushchenko, Yanukovych, and Poroshenko:

“It started with Kravchuk, then Kuchma. He was convenient for them. Nothing prevented Yushchenko from building relations without Medvedchuk back then. Yanukovych later picked it up-also through Medvedchuk. Then Poroshenko inherited it-again through Medvedchuk. And, of course, Medvedchuk also ran a very, very profitable business on the side.” - Serhiy Taruta

The Specifics of Medvedchuk's Work

Taruta also detailed the specifics of Medvedchuk's operations, noting that he 'clearly built a scheme for how to manage presidents, prime ministers, and to be the one who would communicate with the top person.' Taruta recalled an assistant to Medvedchuk who carried a case containing 'at least 16 or 18 phones,' one of which was a dedicated line for contacting Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“He sold himself to Putin as the person who had influence in Ukraine, and in Ukraine as the person who had influence in Russia. And he used this to his great advantage.” - Serhiy Taruta

Medvedchuk, together with Denys Zharkykh, founded the political project 'Another Ukraine,' which was registered in Russia as a public organization. Viktor Medvedchuk and Vadym Novynskyi, former MPs and oligarchs, became prominent figures who, along with Dmytro Tabachnyk and Viktor Yanukovych, were appointed to high positions by Leonid Kuchma. All are now considered traitors in Ukraine and are currently residing in Russia. These revelations underscore the complex, informal channels that have historically influenced Ukraine-Russia relations, a dynamic that remains highly relevant amid the ongoing conflict.

Serhiy Taruta's statements point to a long and intricate political dynamic between Ukraine and Russia, in which Viktor Medvedchuk played a pivotal role. His activity as a go-between for Ukrainian leaders and the Kremlin highlights the importance of personal connections in politics and how they have influenced state decisions. The situation surrounding Medvedchuk and his ties to Russian leadership continues to be pertinent as Ukraine seeks to stabilize its foreign policy relations and internal security.

As Medvedchuk's influence on Ukrainian politics comes to light, it's essential to understand the implications of his legal battles and asset management. In a related development, the appointment of a lawyer to oversee his seized assets raises questions about the intertwining of legal strategies and political maneuvering. For more insights on how this pro-Russian figure navigates his complex situation, read about the implications of his lawyer's recent appointment.