Ukrainian MP Urges Security Services to Act on Pro-Russian Propagandist in Kyiv

MP's Appeal to Security Agencies

According to Главком: Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Yurchyshyn has formally requested that the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) investigate reports that Vyacheslav Pikhovshek, a longtime propagandist for Viktor Medvedchuk, is still residing in Kyiv. The information was made public by the 'Glavcom' newspaper, citing the MP's statement. An investigation by the Toronto Television network confirmed that Pikhovshek did not flee Ukraine and continues to live in the capital. This case highlights ongoing concerns about the presence of individuals linked to pro-Russian influence operations within Ukraine during the war.

Identifying Vyacheslav Pikhovshek

Vyacheslav Pikhovshek, who vanished from public view after the full-scale invasion began, was identified in Kyiv through his online activity. Specifically, he placed orders for books by Ukrainian and Russian authors focused on security and intelligence history. These books were delivered via a Nova Poshta branch near his registered address in Kyiv.

Journalists also uncovered a Telegram account linked to Pikhovshek, from which he commented on channels run by representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, including a priest who relocated to Russia after 2022. Pikhovshek worked at the 1+1 TV channel from the late 1990s to early 2000s, where he oversaw the implementation of editorial directives set by Viktor Medvedchuk, then head of the presidential administration.

After being dismissed from 1+1 in 2009, Pikhovshek actively supported Viktor Yanukovych, including during the Revolution of Dignity. From 2017, he worked for the NewsOne TV channel, also associated with Medvedchuk's circle. Following February 2022, Pikhovshek stopped his social media activity and disappeared from the media landscape.

“Vyacheslav Pikhovshek was Medvedchuk's unwavering favorite. However, while his patron managed to end up in Russia, Pikhovshek did not. He remained waiting in Kyiv.” - Yaroslav Yurchyshyn

The MP's appeal to the SBU and NSDC represents a further step in investigating the activities of individuals connected to propaganda in Ukraine.

This situation underscores the critical need to monitor individuals with ties to propaganda networks, especially under wartime conditions. Pikhovshek's presence in Kyiv is likely to raise concerns among the public and law enforcement, given his past role and influence over the information space. Yurchyshyn's appeal may signal a renewed effort to counter pro-Russian propaganda within the country.