The richest Russian, Melnychenko, called the war a crime

Russia’s richest businessman Andrey Melnychenko spoke out against Russia’s war in Ukraine. At the same time, he believes that the war was caused by the mistakes of many parties – the leadership of Ukraine, Russia and the countries of the West. Melnychenko stated that the sanctions imposed by the West on him and a number of other major Russian businessmen are unjustified.

In his interview with The Financial Times, Melnychenko answered “yes” to the correspondent’s question whether he considers Russia’s actions in Ukraine to be criminal. However, he added that the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyi, is also responsible for the war, since “by his unprofessional actions he provoked a strong and aggressive neighbor”, and the US and specifically the CIA, knowing about the impending invasion, could not prevent it. The Financial Times adds that already after the interview, Melnychenko turned to the editorial office clarifying that his “yes” referred to the actions of Russian troops against the civilian population of Ukraine.

Melnychenko spoke negatively about the economic sanctions that Western countries imposed on major Russian businessmen, including himself, after the start of the war in Ukraine. He considers the sanctions unfair in relation to those businessmen who did not finance military actions directly. “I don’t make weapons. I give people food and energy. I don’t promote war and I don’t engage in politics. What’s the point?” – asked Melnychenko. After the start of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine due to sanctions, he had to leave Switzerland, where he had lived for 14 years, and move to the United Arab Emirates.

The businessman called the sanctions policy against Russian big business criminal and compared it to the dropping of an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. “It did not defeat major military targets, but it brought great suffering,” he said. – “If you harm millions who have nothing to do with the conflict, you are a war criminal.”

• Andrey Melnychenko heads the list of the richest businessmen in Russia according to Forbes. His fortune is estimated at 25.2 billion dollars. Melnychenko is a co-founder of Eurochem and SUEK coal company.
• Since 2022, Melnychenko has been under sanctions by the United States, the European Union, Great Britain, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ukraine. After the introduction of restrictions, the businessman left the boards of directors of SUEK and Eurochem.
• In May 2023, the Swiss authorities raised the issue of depriving Melnychenko and his family of their residence permit in the country. In August, the General Prosecutor’s Office of Russia filed a lawsuit against him, demanding that his company SIBEKO be transferred to the state.