Who Is Behind the Sale of Ukraine’s Largest Telegram Channel? The 'Trukha' Controversy.

The 'Trukha' Telegram Channel Under Scrutiny

According to Espreso.tv: Ukraine's biggest Telegram channel, 'Trukha Ukrayina,' which boasts 3.1 million subscribers, is at the center of a growing controversy over a potential sale. On June 15, activist Serhiy Sternenko alleged that the channel might be transferred to Mykola Udyansky. Estimates place the deal’s value between $15 million and $25 million. Maksym Lavrynenko, the channel's nominal administrator, has downplayed the rumors, stating,

“Speculation that 'Trukha' has been sold to someone has been circulating for years.”

Alleged Russian Ties of the New Owners

Compounding the issue are claims linking the prospective new owners to Russia. In 2018, Volodymyr Lytvyn admitted guilt in a case involving the embezzlement of 16 million hryvnias. The 'Trukha' trademark was registered in July 2022 under the Cyprus-based company Flashly Limited. Seyyar Kurshutov, who was under Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council sanctions for three years, had his Ukrainian citizenship revoked in 2022, raising further questions about his involvement.

Mykola Udyansky denies holding a Russian passport, but his reputation remains under fire. According to Sternenko,

“Based on available operational information, it was during that period that you were involved in human trafficking, drug dealing, and knife attacks on people.”

The 'Trukha' saga reflects not only commercial interests but also the complex socio-political landscape in Ukraine. Amid war and political instability, control over popular media outlets has become a pressing issue. Investigations into the potential Russian connections of new owners may erode audience trust, ultimately affecting the channel’s growth and influence.