‘Servant of the People’ - Who Once Rallied Against Tax-Funded Privileges - Found to be Living in Opulent State Dacha
A jubilant Zelensky in happier times at his 2019 inauguration
In another embarrassing scoop for Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, the investigative RFE/RL program, Schemes, is reporting that the so-called Servant of the People has quietly moved into an opulent state-owned mansion on the outskirts of Kyiv.
Home to former government officials - including presidents, prime ministers and speakers - the main mansion at the heavily-guarded 134-hectare estate in Koncha Zaspa also served as the residence for 10 years to former Ukraine President Viktor Yuschenko.
Both as an actor and as an elected politician, Zelensky has ferociously and convincingly attacked state-funded privileges - such as motorcades and perks such as free housing. Recently, he appears to have walked back on a pledge to serve only one term in office.
“The revelation is especially damaging as, going back to his on-screen role as a surprise president, which arguably boosted his popularity in real life, Zelensky portrayed a believable image as a candidate determined to drain the swamp ”
Schemes uncovered that the Ukrainian tax payer is now on the hook for costly renovations to ‘Building 29’ - the ‘dacha’ or mansion being used by Zelensky and his family. The three-storey, 2400 sq meter structure has several bedrooms, a theatre, spa, billiards room, indoor swimming pool and several opulent washrooms. When Yuschenko lived there the annual upkeep totaled UAH30-million (about US$1.1-million), Schemes reported. And just prior to Zelensky moving in, the state paid almost UAH200,000 (more than US$7,000) for the renovations.
Building 29 is anything but a ‘dacha’ or cottage
In its reporting Schemes pointed out that Zelensky told reporters after his election in Spring 2019 that state residences should be turned over to be used for children’s camps. It was also revealed that Zelensky paid a secret visit to the compound last fall for an inspection.
Shortly after the report was broadcast, the Presidential Administration issued a statement saying “Zelenskiy sold his private house. He will temporarily live at state residence in Koncha-Zaspa.”
Zelensky is currently in a fight to retrieve his sagging popularity after u-turns on other promises, backtracking on reforms, the firing of respected technocrats from cabinet and, most recently, the forced resignation of the Central Bank governor. The revelation is especially damaging as, going back to his on-screen role as a surprise president, which arguably boosted his popularity in real life, Zelensky portrayed a believable image as a candidate determined to drain the swamp.
Schemes was founded by Ukrainian journalist Natalia Sedletska. The investigation was reported by Mykhailo Tkach. Sedletska is the recipient of Canada’s Light of Justice award for high ethical standards.
Video link: https://youtu.be/aivlD-Rc_Dk