The Kaletnyk family: from the brutal events of Maidan to profiteering in times of war

Despite the war and severe economic difficulties, the Kaletnyk family continues to run successful businesses in Ukraine, earning millions in various sectors, including real estate and agriculture. Hryhoriy Kaletnyk, a former deputy and head of the Vinnytsia Regional State Administration from the Party of Regions, supported the repressive actions of the Yanukovych regime, which led to the bloody events on the Maidan in 2014. His son, Ihor, a former head of the customs service, gained notoriety through corruption schemes and his subsequent flight to Russia. His niece, Oksana, a former deputy from the Communist Party of Ukraine, actively supports Russian narratives and collaborates with oligarchs who have fallen under sanctions.

The Kaletnyk family’s activities in the media are closely tied to the political changes that followed the annexation of Crimea and the onset of the war in Donbas. Despite all the criticism and public discontent, their family is still associated with influence and wealth in Ukraine.

How did the individuals who contributed to the escalation of the war in Ukraine get away with it and continue to increase their fortunes?

The events that took place between 2013 and 2014 left deep scars on Ukrainian society. Supporting the authoritarian regime, the Kaletnyky family voted for laws that significantly restricted citizens ‘ rights. In particular, on January 16, 2014, Hryhoriy, Ihor, and Oksana Kaletnyky approved a package of so-called “dictatorial laws” that legalized violence against protesters and contributed to the escalation of violence on the streets. This became a catalyst for further Russian aggression, the annexation of Crimea, and the war in Donbas.

Ukraine has a problematic judicial system that helped representatives of pro-Russian forces avoid punishment. For example, the Pechersk court closed the corruption cases of the Kaletnyks, including the cancellation of the wanted list for Ihor.

After leaving the political scene, Ihor Kolomoyskyi returned to Ukraine in 2019 following the closure of the case against him. However, with the start of the full-scale invasion, he resumed his practice of fleeing abroad.

From a business perspective, while the war is ongoing, the Kaletnyks assert their presence through family ties and enterprises that, despite the war, continue to generate profits. It is noted that their company, “Pysarivka,” earned over 219 million hryvnias in 2024.

Additional information about suspicions of financial fraud and projects related to other sanctioned individuals indicates that close business connections help the Kaletnyks avoid trouble.

Oksana Kaletnyk, despite numerous accusations, continues to conduct business, being in close cooperation with sanctioned individuals, such as Vadym Yermolayev. Her daughter, who lives in London, further emphasizes the whole uncomfortable context of the Kaletnyk family’sfamily’s activities.

Against the backdrop of the war, it becomes apparent that the family utilizes its connections, offshore companies, and corrupt mechanisms to accumulate wealth, disregarding sanctions and legislation. Thus, the Kaletnyk clan serves as a vivid example of the impunity of the separatist elites, who, amid war, not only managed to preserve their influence but also further strengthened it.