Ukrainian lawmakers have claimed they are facing threats of a media campaign aimed at discrediting them due to their initiative to impose sanctions on businessman Oleg Osinovsky. The parliamentary group has linked this media effort to Russian influence.
In a statement, the group noted that in June 2026, they contacted the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, requesting consideration for sanctions against Osinovsky, as well as his companies Vero Logistics, AS Skinest Finants, and Osaühing Delantina.
The lawmakers justified their request by citing information from the Estonian publication Eesti Ekspress, which reported on the transportation of Russian raw materials. According to an investigation published on January 29, 2024, Vero Logistics transported iron and iron ore worth approximately €777 million from Russia to the European Union after the full-scale invasion began.
The report indicated that these shipments originated from the Lebedynsky and Mikhailovsky mining and processing plants, which are part of Metalloinvest, a company linked to Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that Vero Logistics reported transporting around 1.2 million tons of cargo through Estonia and Latvia in its 2022 report, with the company’s revenue for that year amounting to €17.3 million and a total estimated income of about €35 million over 2022-2023.
Vero Logistics was founded by Osinovsky, previously operating as Skinest Wood. In spring 2022, control of the company transferred to his sister Veronika Osinovskaya, according to Eesti Ekspress. A representative of Skinest stated that the group sold this company. However, the Estonian financial intelligence agency indicated that sanctions against Usmanov did not extend to Metalloinvest at that time.
The deputies believe that the business connections described warrant scrutiny by Ukrainian authorities and consideration for sanctions. They alleged that following their request, pressure was exerted on them and fellow lawmakers. They reported that through intermediaries, including Volodymyr Prykhodko, whom they identify as Osinovsky’s partner in Ukraine, a demand was conveyed to cease inquiries regarding Osinovsky’s Russian ties and sanctions.
If they refused, they claimed they would face threats of a media campaign aimed at discrediting them in both Ukraine and Estonia. They indicated that this demand was rejected and that the Security Service of Ukraine was informed about the potential pressure.
The signatories view these events as attempts to influence their position on Osinovsky’s activities. They have also urged the media to be cautious in disseminating information and accused Eesti Ekspress and Delfi of publishing fabricated facts about their colleague, Pushkarenko.
According to the group, formal requests have been sent to the National Security and Defense Council, Security Service, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine. They also notified the investigative commission of the Estonian parliament, which is examining Russian influence, financial mechanisms, and associated risks.
