History of Viktor Medvedchuk in Timeline
Viktor Medvedchuk is a Ukrainian oligarch, former lawyer, and politician currently living in exile in Russia. Known for his pro-Kremlin stance and personal friendship with Vladimir Putin, he held significant political influence in Ukraine before fleeing to Russia in 2022 following a prisoner exchange. Prior to his exile, Medvedchuk faced various legal challenges in Ukraine, including charges of treason. His career has been marked by controversy, particularly due to his close ties with the Russian government and his alleged role in promoting Russian interests in Ukraine.
April 1942: Volodymyr Medvedchuk Joins Nationalist Organization
According to a Soviet court indictment, Volodymyr Medvedchuk joined a counter-revolutionary organization of Ukrainian nationalists in April 1942.
April 1942: Volodymyr Medvedchuk's Work for German Administration
In April 1942, Viktor Medvedchuk's father, Volodymyr, began working for the German administration in a labor camp during the Nazi occupation of Ukraine.
November 1943: End of Volodymyr Medvedchuk's work for German Administration
In November 1943, Volodymyr Medvedchuk ceased working for the German administration in the labor camp.
August 1954: Arrest of Volodymyr Medvedchuk
On August 7, 1954, Volodymyr Medvedchuk was arrested by SMERSH.
November 1971: Medvedchuk's Postal Service Job
In November 1971, Viktor Medvedchuk began working as a sorter at the Kyiv Railroad Post office.
September 1972: Enrollment in Law School
On September 12, 1972, Medvedchuk was enrolled in the Law School of KSU Shevchenko.
1972: Militsiya Work
By early 1972, Medvedchuk was reportedly working as an overstaffed militsiya worker at the Motovylivka station.
1978: Graduation from Law School
Medvedchuk graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv with a law degree in 1978.
December 1979: Lawyer for Yuriy Lytvyn
In December 1979, Medvedchuk acted as the lawyer for repressed poet Yuriy Lytvyn.
1979: Work at Kyiv Enterprises
During his trial, it was stated that Stus, while working at enterprises in Kyiv in 1979-1980, fulfilled the required work norms.
1979: Joins Kyiv City Collegiate of Attorneys
In 1979, Medvedchuk became a member of the Shevchenkivska Legal Consultation of the Kyiv City Collegiate of Attorneys.
1980: Lawyer for Vasyl Stus
In 1980, Medvedchuk was appointed as the defence lawyer for dissident poet Vasyl Stus.
1980: Stus Trial and Medvedchuk's Plea
In 1980, during the trial of Vasyl Stus, Medvedchuk's plea seemingly acknowledged Stus's guilt and referenced his work record, raising questions about the adequacy of his defense.
1982: Birth of Irina Medvedchuk
Viktor Medvedchuk's daughter, Irina, was born in 1982.
September 1985: Stus' Death and Medvedchuk's Defense
In September 1985, poet Vasyl Stus died after a hunger strike in a Soviet labor camp. Viktor Medvedchuk, Stus's former lawyer, later defended his actions, stating that Stus was found guilty according to the laws of the time.
1985: Kuntsevich Trial
In 1985, Medvedchuk served as a lawyer in the trial of poet Mikola Kuntsevich, where his actions and recommendations contributed to a harsher sentence for Kuntsevich.
1990: Founding of BIM and Bar Association Presidency
In 1990, Medvedchuk founded the legal company BIM. He also began his tenure as president of the Bar Association of Ukraine, a position he held until 1997.
April 1991: Law on Rehabilitation of Victims of Political Repression
The Law of Ukraine "On the Rehabilitation of Victims of Political Repression in Ukraine" was enacted in April 1991, which ultimately led to the rehabilitation of Volodymyr Medvedchuk.
1994: Joining SDPU(u)
In 1994, Medvedchuk joined the Social Democratic Party of Ukraine (united), eventually becoming its chairman in 1998.
July 1995: Rehabilitation of Volodymyr Medvedchuk
In July 1995, Ukraine's military prosecutor's office reviewed Volodymyr Medvedchuk's case and decided to rehabilitate him.
1997: End of Bar Association Presidency
In 1997, Medvedchuk concluded his seven-year term as president of the Bar Association of Ukraine.
1997: First Entry into Verkhovna Rada
Medvedchuk first entered the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) in 1997 after winning a by-election.
1997: Member of Verkhovna Rada
Medvedchuk served as a member of the Verkhovna Rada from 1997 to 2002.
July 1998: Elected Second Deputy Chairman of Verkhovna Rada
Following his reelection to the Verkhovna Rada in 1998, Medvedchuk was elected Second Deputy Chairman in July of that year.
1998: SDPU(u) Chairmanship
In 1998, Medvedchuk became the chairman of the Social Democratic Party of Ukraine (united).
February 2000: First Deputy Chairman of Verkhovna Rada
In February 2000, Medvedchuk became the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada.
December 2001: Dismissal from Verkhovna Rada
Medvedchuk was dismissed from his position as First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada in December 2001 due to alleged abuse of power and procedural violations.
June 2002: Head of Kuchma's Presidential Administration
In June 2002, Medvedchuk began his role as the head of President Leonid Kuchma's presidential administration.
2002: Chief of Staff to President Kuchma
From 2002 to 2005, Medvedchuk served as chief of staff to Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma.
2002: Reelection to Verkhovna Rada
Medvedchuk was reelected to the Verkhovna Rada in 2002.
2003: Medvedchuk and Putin's First Meeting
Viktor Medvedchuk and Vladimir Putin first met in 2003 when Medvedchuk was Head of Ukraine's Presidential Administration.
2004: Role in 2004 Presidential Election
During the 2004 Ukrainian presidential election, Medvedchuk was considered a key figure behind Viktor Yanukovych's campaign.
2004: Allegations of Illegal Property Takeover
In 2004, Ukrainian newspaper Ukrayinska Pravda published an article accusing Medvedchuk of illegally taking over government property during his time as Head of Administration for the Ukrainian President.
2004: Putin Becomes Godfather to Medvedchuk's Daughter
In 2004, Vladimir Putin became godfather to Viktor Medvedchuk's daughter, Darya, at the request of Medvedchuk's wife.
2004: Birth of Daryna Medvedchuk
Viktor Medvedchuk's daughter, Daryna, was born in 2004. Vladimir Putin is her godfather.
January 2005: End of Kuchma Administration Role
In January 2005, Medvedchuk's term as head of President Kuchma's administration ended.
2005: End of Chief of Staff Role
In 2005, Medvedchuk's term as chief of staff to President Kuchma concluded.
March 2006: Resignation from SDPU(u) Chairmanship
Two days following the March 2006 parliamentary election, Medvedchuk resigned from his position as chairman of the Social Democratic Party of Ukraine (united).
2006: Opposition Bloc "Ne Tak"
Medvedchuk was placed third on the election list for the Opposition Bloc "Ne Tak" during the 2006 Ukrainian parliamentary election, which ultimately failed to gain parliamentary representation.
2008: Medvedchuk's Wealth Estimated at $460 Million
In 2008, Ukrainian magazine Focus estimated Viktor Medvedchuk's wealth at $460 million, with investments in energy, resources, and media.
March 2012: Return to Public Politics
Medvedchuk announced his return to public politics in March 2012, stating his belief that political outcomes are influenced by mistakes made during elections rather than the elections themselves.
October 2013: Razumkov Centre Poll
A poll conducted by the Razumkov Centre in October 2013 suggested that a party led by Medvedchuk would receive only 0.9% of the vote.
November 2013: Euromaidan Protests Begin and Medvedchuk's Opposition
When the Euromaidan protests began in November 2013, Medvedchuk emerged as a staunch critic of the movement and its pro-EU stance.
December 2013: Meeting with Putin and Threats to Protesters
After a December 2013 meeting with Vladimir Putin, Medvedchuk publicly threatened to "deal with" pro-European protesters in Ukraine.
December 2013: Allegations of Involvement in Chornovol Attack and Protests at Medvedchuk's Villa
Following the alleged attempted murder of journalist Tetiana Chornovol in December 2013, Euromaidan activists accused Medvedchuk of involvement and protested outside his villa. Medvedchuk, in turn, declared his readiness for "war" with the opposition.
December 2013: Sociological Group "RATING" Poll and Expert Commentary
In December 2013, a poll by the Sociological group "RATING" predicted Medvedchuk would receive minimal support in the upcoming presidential election. Experts at the time considered his attempts to influence public opinion a failure.
2013: Ukrainian Choice and Criticism of the EU
As chairman of the pro-Russian organization Ukrainian Choice, Medvedchuk began publicly criticizing the European Union in 2013, even comparing it to Nazi Germany.
January 2014: Slander Lawsuit Against Zabuzhko
In January 2014, Medvedchuk won a slander lawsuit against writer Oksana Zabuzhko, who had accused him of involvement in provocations against Euromaidan.
January 2014: Medvedchuk Criticizes EU Association Agreement
In January 2014, Viktor Medvedchuk publicly criticized the EU Association Agreement, arguing that it offered excessive privileges to European manufacturers and risked turning the Ukrainian economy into a raw material appendage of the EU. He also expressed doubt about the Ukrainian government's ability to protect the country's economic interests.
February 2014: Euromaidan Protests Continue
The Euromaidan protests, which Medvedchuk openly opposed, continued until February 2014.
March 2014: Medvedchuk Sanctioned by the United States
In March 2014, Viktor Medvedchuk was placed on the United States sanctions list for his alleged role in the 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea.
March 2014: Medvedchuk Sanctioned by US over Crimea Annexation
Viktor Medvedchuk was sanctioned by the United States in March 2014 for his alleged involvement in the Russian annexation of Crimea.
June 2014: Medvedchuk Participates in Peace Negotiations
In June 2014, Viktor Medvedchuk participated in negotiations with armed separatists in Donetsk and Luhansk to discuss President Poroshenko's peace plan. His role in these discussions remains contentious.
June 2014: Medvedchuk as Negotiator: Conflicting Claims
In June 2014, while DPR and LPR designated Medvedchuk as their representative in negotiations, the DPR Prime Minister denied this, stating Medvedchuk was only a mediator. Medvedchuk expressed hope for a compromise that would preserve Ukraine's territorial integrity.
July 2014: Medvedchuk Excluded from Negotiations, Later Reinstated
Despite being excluded from negotiations in July 2014, Medvedchuk was later appointed as Ukraine's negotiator for prisoner exchanges in December 2014 and became a special representative for humanitarian affairs in 2015.
July 2014: Borodai Denies Medvedchuk's Representation of Separatists
In July 2014, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Donetsk People's Republic, Alexander Borodai, clarified that Viktor Medvedchuk did not officially represent the DPR or LPR in negotiations but served as a mediator.
December 2014: Medvedchuk Appointed Negotiator for Prisoner Exchanges
In December 2014, Viktor Medvedchuk was officially appointed by Ukraine as a negotiator for prisoner exchanges with separatists.
June 2015: Medvedchuk Becomes Special Representative for Humanitarian Affairs
In June 2015, Viktor Medvedchuk took on the role of Ukraine's Special Representative for Humanitarian Affairs within the Trilateral Contact Group on Ukraine.
2015: Zygar's Claim about Putin's Reliance on Medvedchuk Regarding Ukraine
In 2015, Russian journalist Mikhail Zygar wrote that Putin believed no issue involving Ukraine could be resolved without Medvedchuk.
August 2016: Medvedchuk Advocates Direct Dialogue with Separatists
In August 2016, Medvedchuk publicly urged Ukrainian authorities to engage in direct dialogue with the leadership of the self-proclaimed DPR and LPR to resolve the conflict and regain control over the territories.
August 2016: Medvedchuk Claims Relationship with Putin Helps Ukraine
In August 2016, Viktor Medvedchuk stated his relationship with Putin helped him serve Ukraine's interests.
August 2016: Medvedchuk on Crimea's Status
In August 2016, Viktor Medvedchuk stated that while Crimea legally belongs to Ukraine, it is de facto under Russian control.
2016: Beginning of Disbarment Efforts
Efforts to disbar Medvedchuk from practicing law in Ukraine began in 2016, culminating in his disbarment in May 2023.
November 2018: Chairman of For Life political party
In November 2018, Medvedchuk was elected chairman of the political council of the political party For Life.
November 2018: Medvedchuk Elected Chairman of Political Council
In November 2018, Viktor Medvedchuk was elected chairman of the political council of the "For Life" party.
December 2018: "For Life" Merges with "Opposition Platform — For Life"
In December 2018, the "For Life" party, where Medvedchuk held a leading position, merged with the "Opposition Platform — For Life" party.
2018: Medvedchuk Discusses Relationship with Putin and Views on Ukraine and Russia
In 2018, Medvedchuk claimed he used his relationship with Putin to aid prisoner exchanges in the War in Donbass and that he viewed Ukraine and Russia as separate Slavic nations with intertwined histories. He also stated that he discussed Ukraine with Putin often.
2018: Medvedchuk's Interview with The Independent
In 2018, Medvedchuk gave an interview to The Independent discussing his role in the Vasyl Stus case, reiterating his stance that he acted within the legal framework of the time.
2018: Medvedchuk Accuses US of Interference, Defends Putin
In a 2018 interview, Medvedchuk accused the United States of interfering in Ukrainian-Russian relations, defended Putin's desire for peace in Donbas, and while admitting Russia's illegal arming of separatists, claimed the US, NATO, and EU were doing the same by supplying weapons to Ukraine.
2018: Chairman of Ukrainian Choice
Medvedchuk served as chairman of the pro-Russian political organization Ukrainian Choice from 2018 to 2022.
August 2019: Elected as People's Deputy of Ukraine
On August 29, 2019, Medvedchuk was elected as People's Deputy of Ukraine.
2019: Return to Elections
After the unsuccessful 2006 election, Medvedchuk didn't participate in elections again until 2019.
2019: Putin Acknowledges Being Godfather to Medvedchuk's Daughter
In a 2019 interview, Vladimir Putin acknowledged being the godfather of Viktor Medvedchuk's daughter and described their relationship as knowing each other well, but not very close.
2019: Medvedchuk Elected to Parliament
In the 2019 Ukrainian parliamentary election, Medvedchuk was elected to the Verkhovna Rada as a member of the Opposition Platform — For Life party.
2019: Serhiy Medvedchuk's Unsuccessful Parliamentary Run
In the 2019 Ukrainian parliamentary election, Viktor Medvedchuk's brother, Serhiy, ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the Luhansk Oblast.
2019: Elected to Verkhovna Rada
Medvedchuk was elected to the Verkhovna Rada in the 2019 Ukrainian parliamentary election.
October 2020: Court Overturns Ban on Book About Stus Trial
In October 2020, a court overturned a previous ban on the distribution of "The Case of Vasyl Stus," a book detailing the trial of Ukrainian poet Vasyl Stus, in which Medvedchuk served as the defense lawyer.
February 2021: Medvedchuk and Wife Sanctioned by Ukraine
In February 2021, Viktor Medvedchuk and his wife, Oksana Marchenko, were placed on the Ukrainian sanctions list due to allegations of financing terrorism, a charge Medvedchuk denied. These sanctions froze their assets and prevented them from conducting business in Ukraine.
February 2021: Medvedchuk and Wife Face Ukrainian Sanctions for Alleged Terrorism Financing
In February 2021, Viktor Medvedchuk and his wife, Oksana Marchenko, were placed under Ukrainian sanctions due to allegations of financing terrorism.
February 2021: Sanctioned by Ukraine
On February 19, 2021, Medvedchuk and his wife were placed on the Ukrainian sanctions list due to alleged financing of terrorism.
May 2021: Medvedchuk Named Suspect for Treason and Illegal Exploitation
In May 2021, Medvedchuk and Taras Kozak were named suspects for alleged high treason and illegal exploitation of natural resources in Crimea, leading to Medvedchuk's house arrest. Russia also began liquidating a company allegedly used by Medvedchuk in these activities.
May 2021: Medvedchuk's Claims About Negotiation Authorization Disputed
In May 2021, Medvedchuk claimed he was authorized to negotiate with separatists by both Turchynov and Poroshenko, a claim immediately denied by Turchynov.
May 2021: Accused of Treason
In May 2021, Medvedchuk was accused of treason and attempted looting of national resources in Crimea. His house arrest began on May 13, 2021.
May 2021: Medvedchuk Congratulates DPR Leader, Expresses Admiration for Military Parade
In May 2021, leaked audio recordings revealed Medvedchuk congratulating the leader of the DPR on Victory Day and expressing admiration for a military parade held in Donetsk.
June 2021: Poroshenko Claims Putin Insisted on Medvedchuk's Involvement
In June 2021, former President Poroshenko stated that Medvedchuk's involvement in prisoner exchange negotiations came at the insistence of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
2021: Daryna Medvedchuk Begins Studies in Moscow
In 2021, Viktor Medvedchuk's daughter, Daryna, started studying at the National Research University Higher School of Economics in Moscow.
2021: Poroshenko Named Co-Suspect, Medvedchuk's House Arrest Extended
In 2021, former President Petro Poroshenko was named a co-suspect in the case against Medvedchuk, whose house arrest was repeatedly extended beyond the legal limit.
January 2022: US Sanctions Medvedchuk for Alleged Collaboration Plot
In January 2022, the United States imposed sanctions on Medvedchuk, accusing him of involvement in a plot to establish a pro-Russian collaborative government in anticipation of a Russian invasion.
February 2022: Escape from House Arrest
Medvedchuk escaped house arrest on February 27, 2022. While the Ministry of Internal Affairs claimed he fled, his lawyer said he was "evacuated" due to safety concerns.
February 2022: Potential Installation as President
On February 24, 2022, the first day of the Russian invasion, some analysts speculated that Putin might install Medvedchuk as president of Ukraine if Kyiv were captured. Ukrainian intelligence believed a plan was in place to depose the existing chairman of parliament and replace him with Medvedchuk, making him acting president if Zelenskyy were also removed.
February 2022: Preventing Kyva's Expulsion
On February 26, 2022, Medvedchuk prevented the expulsion of Illia Kyva from the Opposition Platform — For Life parliamentary faction after Kyva publicly supported the Russian invasion.
March 2022: Medvedchuk's Replica Pullman Dining Car
In March 2022, it was reported that Viktor Medvedchuk possessed a replica Pullman dining car, allegedly a gift from his wife.
March 2022: In Absentia Precautionary Measure
On March 18, 2022, an investigating judge granted a prosecutor's request for an in absentia precautionary measure against Medvedchuk, whose whereabouts were unknown.
March 2022: Removed from Opposition Platform — For Life
On March 8, 2022, Medvedchuk was removed from his position as co-chairman of Opposition Platform — For Life.
March 2022: Removal from Party Leadership
On March 8, 2022, Medvedchuk was removed from his position as co-chairman of the Opposition Platform — For Life political party.
March 2022: Medvedchuk's Yacht Seized
Viktor Medvedchuk's yacht, the Royal Romance, was seized in Croatia in March 2022.
April 2022: Arrested by SBU
Medvedchuk was arrested by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) on April 12, 2022.
April 2022: Custody Without Bail
On April 16, 2022, a Lviv court ordered Medvedchuk into custody without bail, which was extended on August 3.
July 2022: Medvedchuk's Helicopter and Jet Seized
Viktor Medvedchuk's helicopter and business jet were seized and given to the Ukrainian Army in July 2022 as part of an investigation into abuse of power and embezzlement.
September 2022: Exile to Russia
In September 2022, Medvedchuk was handed over to Russia in a prisoner exchange and has lived in exile there since.
September 2022: Medvedchuk's Prisoner Exchange
Viktor Medvedchuk was part of a prisoner exchange in September 2022.
2022: Arrival to Russia
In 2022, Medvedchuk arrived in Russia following a prisoner exchange.
2022: UK Sanctions Medvedchuk Over Russo-Ukrainian War
In 2022, Medvedchuk was sanctioned by the UK government due to his involvement in the Russo-Ukrainian War.
2022: End of Ukrainian Choice Chairmanship
Medvedchuk's term as chairman of the pro-Russian political organization Ukrainian Choice ended in 2022.
January 2023: Article in Izvestia
In January 2023, Medvedchuk published an article in the Russian newspaper Izvestia blaming the "collective West" for the "Ukrainian conflict" and advocating for considering Russian interests. He didn't mention or condemn the 2022 invasion and it was reported as his first article in Russian media since arriving in Russia after the exchange.
January 2023: Removed as People's Deputy
In January 2023, the Verkhovna Rada removed Medvedchuk from his position as a people's deputy.
January 2023: Citizenship Revoked
On January 10, 2023, Medvedchuk was stripped of his Ukrainian citizenship, along with three other people's deputies.
January 2023: Removal from Parliament
On January 13, 2023, Medvedchuk's term as a People's Deputy of Ukraine was terminated by parliament with a 320-member vote.
February 2023: Medvedchuk Confirms Living in Moscow
In February 2023, Viktor Medvedchuk confirmed he was living in Moscow following his release in a prisoner exchange.
April 2023: Creation of "Different Ukraine" Movement
In April 2023, Medvedchuk founded the "Different Ukraine" movement, which promotes pro-Russian disinformation and claims Ukraine is ruled by Nazis. It includes various Ukrainian fugitives accused of treason and separatism.
April 2023: Arrest Warrant Issued for Oksana Marchenko
In April 2023, Ukrainian police issued an arrest warrant for Oksana Marchenko, Viktor Medvedchuk's wife, for hiding from pre-trial investigation authorities.
May 2023: Disbarment in Ukraine
In May 2023, Medvedchuk was disbarred in Ukraine following efforts that began as early as 2016. This decision was later upheld by higher courts in 2024.
June 2024: Medvedchuk's Statements on Russia's Occupation and Peace Proposal
In June 2024, Viktor Medvedchuk suggested Russia should occupy more Ukrainian cities if Ukraine rejected Putin's peace proposal. This proposal involved Russia annexing occupied territories and Ukraine adopting non-aligned status. Medvedchuk viewed this as the last chance to save Ukraine, which he described as a "concentration camp" due to what he viewed as an illegitimate president, state Nazi ideology, and imposed LGBT values.
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