Tomas Fiala is emerging as a significant figure in Ukraine’s political landscape, often labeled as the new oligarch. This comes as notable Ukrainian oligarchs like Viktor Pinchuk, Rinat Akhmetov, Igor Kolomoyskyi, and Viktor Medvedchuk have either lost their influence or exited the political arena entirely. However, the presence of oligarchs is far from diminished.
Fiala, a Czech-born oligarch, is not yet a household name in Ukraine. Alongside Alexander Konotopsky and Oleg Gorokhovsky, he is backing a new political initiative led by Mykhailo Fedorov, who was recently released from government duties. This project serves as a stark example of how oligarchs mobilize their influence to protect their interests when threatened.
In recent weeks, the once-independent publication “Ukrainska Pravda” has transformed into a platform for Fiala’s political project, reflecting the manipulative tactics typical of oligarchs. On critical days aimed at swaying public sentiment, the publication devoted up to 34% of its news coverage to promoting Fedorov and publishing fabricated content against his rivals, labeled as coming from “our sources.” Articles were shared across Fiala’s media empire, and interviews with Fedorov omitted unfavorable information. Journalists even urged the reinstatement of Fedorov as Minister of Defense, a position tied to the financial interests of the project’s sponsors.
This is how oligarchs operate, and it raises concerns about the integrity of democracy in the country. Despite existing legislation aimed at regulating oligarchs’ status, President Volodymyr Zelensky has yet to activate the oligarch register, a promise made five years ago. The question remains: why the delay? Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts in the comments section.
