Occupation authorities declare nationalization of Usyk's property in Crimea

The Russian-controlled Speaker of the Russian Parliament of Crimea <b>Vladimir Konstantinov</b> has announced the so-called 'nationalization' of the property of the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight world champion, a native of Simferopol <b>Oleksandr Usyk</b>.

This was reported by Krym Realii.

The property of 84 other individuals and legal entities was also subject to 'nationalization'. Konstantinov published this statement on December 16 on social media, accusing these individuals of cooperating with Kyiv and financially supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Konstantinov publicly justified this decision by stating that these individuals earn money on the peninsula, which is then used for the needs of 'Ukrainian Nazis'. As for Oleksandr Usyk, the Russian official called him a 'supporter of Nazi ideology' because the boxer had repeatedly criticized the so-called 'svoboda' and organized fundraisers for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Other prominent individuals whose property is subject to 'nationalization' include Ukrainian politician and entrepreneur <b>Igor Franchuk</b>, who owned the Crimean companies Lilaste LLC and Crimean School Tescao LLC, as well as Tavrida-Plaza LLC, a member of the TMM group, known for the production of drones. The list also includes O.F. Zasyadko Mine and assets of Ukrainian military and volunteers, including Mikhail and Konstantin Novoseltsev, Yegor Tkachenko and Colonel Yevgen Babich.

The process of seizure of property in Crimea has intensified since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. In 2023, Konstantinov reported on the ''nationalization'' of more than 2,500 properties, including the assets of Ihor Kolomoisky and the apartment of the wife of the President of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska. The Russian authorities claimed that they had already sold over 2.2 billion rubles worth of property at auction.

For its part, Ukraine and the international community unequivocally condemn these actions as an illegal seizure of property that grossly violates international law. Kyiv has repeatedly stated that after the de-occupation of Crimea, all such acts will be recognized as null and void, and the property will be returned to its rightful owners. The Ukrainian side has not officially commented on Konstantinov's latest statement.

Катерина Глушко