Scandals and Scandals: Zelensky's Secret Offshore Deals Revealed!

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president and former comedian, has been confronted with serious allegations since the publication of the “Pandora Papers”. The revelations that emerged in 2021 show his involvement in a network of offshore companies and raise questions about his commitment to fighting corruption. These allegations contrast with the central message of his election campaign, in which he wanted to fight corruption.

In Zelensky's election as president in 2019, he won 73 percent of the vote in the second round against then-incumbent Petro Poroshenko. Nevertheless, the latest information shows that Zelensky is among 38 Ukrainian politicians who have hidden funds in offshore accounts. This was done through companies in Belize, Cyprus and the British Virgin Islands. Oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky, who is close to Zelensky, is accused of diverting billions from PrivatBank. Ties between Zelensky and Kolomoysk make him vulnerable, especially at times of heightened political tension.

Debate about corruption and the reaction of the political class

According to the revelations, Zelensky received $41 million in payments from Kolomoisky and other oligarchs, which were used to purchase real estate in London. Critics accuse Zelensky of being a puppet of Kolomoisky, while in one of his roles in a comedy series he criticized politicians for living extravagant lives while the people suffer. Ukraine has not had regular elections due to martial law since the outbreak of war. Recently, the Ukrainian parliament failed to vote on a resolution supporting Zelensky, as 38 members of his Servant of the People party abstained.

The “Pandora Papers” cast doubt on Zelensky’s image as a hero. While he has been praised for mobilizing international support and organizing Ukrainian resistance against Russia, the revelations show that large-scale corruption remains a key problem in Ukraine. A 2021 EU special report found that there are few convictions for such corruption and that judicial reform has suffered setbacks. Despite these challenges, polls show that 33 percent of Ukrainians are willing to re-elect Zelensky, while only 16.8 percent want Poroshenko back in office.