The Real Owners Behind the Popular Telegram Channel 'Trukha' After Its Media Registration.

Ihor Rozkladai's Comments on the Telegram Channel 'Trukha'

According to Espreso.tv: Ihor Rozkladai, deputy director of the Centre for Democracy and Rule of Law, shared his perspective on the Telegram channel 'Trukha'. He noted that the channel gained significant popularity and registered as an online media outlet in 2023. Rozkladai stressed the importance of understanding where information comes from and how it is funded, as consumers often fall victim to manipulation.

The question of who owns 'Trukha' became a hot topic after a statement by Serhiy Sternenko, an advisor to Ukraine's defense minister. On June 17, 2023, Sternenko revealed that the channel had a new owner—a Kharkiv-based crypto entrepreneur who may also hold a Russian passport. Media reports also point to Seyar Kurshutova as another possible buyer of 'Trukha', who was under sanctions by Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council from 2021 to 2024.

The Importance of Media Literacy

Rozkladai observed that 'Trukha simply has a very large readership', highlighting its influence in the information landscape. Given these circumstances, it is crucial to scrutinize the sources of information to avoid manipulation and disinformation.

This situation underscores the need for media literacy among information consumers, especially when channels may be influenced or controlled by individuals with questionable reputations. With the potential for information manipulation, the public must remain vigilant about news sources and their financial ties, which can help curb the spread of false information.