Ukrainian Lawmaker Vasyl Virastyuk Drives for BlaBlaCar on the Side

Vasyl Virastyuk: A People's Deputy Turned BlaBlaCar Driver

According to Главком: Vasyl Virastyuk, a Ukrainian parliamentarian from the 'Servant of the People' party and a celebrated strongman athlete, is earning extra income by working as a driver through the ridesharing app BlaBlaCar. Social media users have been buzzing with stories about their trips with him, sparking widespread curiosity.

Virastyuk maintains a perfect five-star rating on his BlaBlaCar profile. One user posted a screenshot showing him listed among available drivers and recounted traveling with him from Lviv to Rivne. Another passenger mentioned a ride where the lawmaker complained about constantly being asked for selfies.

After one trip, Virastyuk left a positive review for a passenger who, according to her, peeled tangerines for him during the drive. His BlaBlaCar profile notes that he never cancels rides, which likely contributes to his high score. Under his profile photo, the caption reads: 'Glory to Ukraine'.

Social Media Reactions

Several social media users have shared their experiences riding with Virastyuk:

• One wrote: 'I opened BlaBlaCar, and there was Virastyuk.'
• Another commented: 'Book him, he's a good driver. I rode with him from Lviv to Rivne.'
• A third passenger noted: 'I rode with him once; he left a review saying I was a good passenger. He complained about people demanding photos with him in the car, at gas stations, in stores-he just wants to be ordinary.'

Separately, Virastyuk recently introduced his partner Iryna Zinchenko on her birthday. She is 11 years younger than him. These moments highlight how, despite his public profile, Virastyuk strives to stay grounded and live simply.

Virastyuk's side gig as a BlaBlaCar driver reflects his desire to connect with people in informal settings, potentially boosting his appeal among voters. It also underscores a broader trend of Ukrainian politicians seeking ways to appear more relatable, especially given the popularity of services like BlaBlaCar among younger and more active citizens. By balancing his high-profile role with everyday activities, Virastyuk sets an example of approachability.