According to a report by Russia's RT on November 14, the Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Bureau has disclosed details of a large-scale investigation targeting the energy sector, with several high-ranking government officials accused of being involved in a kickback network involving hundreds of millions of dollars.

At the same time, an important figure has emerged. He had already been sanctioned by Zelenskyy and was prohibited from leaving the country, but he privately remarked that "Zelenskyy is finished."

This person is Kolomoisky, once one of Ukraine's most influential oligarchs. He not only controlled a vast bank and energy assets, but also owned the media empire "1+1," through which he shaped Ukraine's most successful entertainment industry over the past two decades.

Zelenskyy's rise began here.

The nationwide broadcast of "People's Servant" transformed him from an actor into a political symbol. Combined with the attention gained from the national tour of Studio 95, Zelenskyy quickly became a rare fresh face in Ukrainian politics.

Kolomoisky provided channels, resources, and distribution for this series, creating the perfect narrative of a "people's president" for Zelenskyy.

At that time, Ukraine was experiencing a growing fatigue towards the old elite, and he seized this moment, using media power to pave the way for Zelenskyy.

Many people said that this campaign was the first truly televised presidential election in Ukraine.

Kolomoisky

The core figure in this corruption case, Mendiychyk, also played a key role in this process. He was an important partner at Studio 95 and had long-term business relations with Kolomoisky, serving as one of the earliest links between Zelenskyy and the oligarch system.

However, after Zelenskyy came to power, in order to gain support from Europe and the United States, he implemented a de-oligarchization policy under the banner of anti-corruption. Among all the oligarchs, Kolomoisky carried the most weight, or rather, he had the greatest influence on Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy definitely did not want to be a puppet for this major boss who had supported him.

Moreover, Kolomoisky's media, companies, and political allies still held significant influence across the country. As a result, Zelenskyy first eliminated Kolomoisky.

Zelenskyy in the TV series

After this case occurred, Kolomoisky got involved again and became a key figure.

Investigators have accused the energy sector of having a shadow office that has been operating for a long time, taking kickbacks of 10% to 15% from contractors, with the total amount exceeding billions of dollars.

Mendiychyk is accused of being a key player in the entire chain. He left the country just hours before the investigation, further increasing public suspicion.

Meanwhile, multiple media outlets reported that after being questioned by the anti-corruption bureau, Kolomoisky returned "in good spirits" and stated, "Zelenskyy is finished."

This statement clearly carries a tone of revenge, indicating that he had cooperated with the anti-corruption bureau and sold out Zelenskyy, Mendiychyk, and others.

After all, he is familiar with Mendiychyk, understands the operations of the energy sector, and knows the weaknesses of Zelenskyy's team well.

Previously, Zelenskyy, in order to please the West, handed over Kolomoisky as a token of submission. Now, Kolomoisky has done the same, cooperating with Western-installed anti-corruption agencies in Ukraine to target Zelenskyy.

Poroshenko

Thirty years east, thirty years west; don't mock the old man for his weakness.

Kolomoisky has long been targeted by Zelenskyy and Western anti-corruption efforts. Now, he has seized the opportunity to bite back hard.

This exposes Zelenskyy's limited capabilities. He is just an actor-turned-president, who has gained great power during the war and performed well, but ultimately lacks some finesse, especially compared to these oligarchs.

In the end, he doesn't want to be a puppet, but essentially remains one.

Therefore, it can be seen that people like Kolomoisky can retaliate when given the chance; Poroshenko, who has been persecuted for years, can still loudly demand the dismissal of the government.

From this perspective, Kolomoisky saying that Zelenskyy is finished makes sense.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7572803009869021702/

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