Oligarch on the offensive

“Never paid Russia a single cent!”

Vadym Novynskyi vehemently denies media reports that he is close to Russia.(Bild: https://novynskyi.com/en)

Ukrainian billionaire Vadym Novynskyi defends himself against reports that portray him as "pro-Russian". On the contrary, he supports humanitarian aid with his fortune.

At the beginning of March, the "Krone" reported on a Russian-born Ukrainian oligarch and billionaire named Vadym Novynskyi. According to international reports, he allegedly co-financed Putin's war of aggression. And Ukraine has therefore also frozen his assets. Novynskyi, who had stayed at Benko's luxury chalet N. the previous year, has now spoken to the "Krone" about the false reports.

"I am deeply affected by being portrayed as 'pro-Russian'. After all, it was the Russians who not only destroyed 8,000 lives in Mariupol, but also my entire fortune there - how could I ever support something like that?" Due to his outstanding services to Ukraine, he was even awarded honorary Ukrainian citizenship. He was also appointed a deacon of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. 

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, his foundation has dedicated its work solely to humanitarian aid - to the tune of nine figures. It was precisely these investments that led to a reduction in his assets. "I have never paid Russia a single cent!"

Novynskyi concludes by referring to his statement when the war began: "I am a citizen of Ukraine, have sworn an oath to it as a member of parliament and will remain loyal to it until the end."