The United States banned Friday, March 5 from entry into the country the sulphurous Ukrainian oligarch Igor Kolomoïski, accusing him of "
corruption
" and undermining democracy.
This sanction, which also applies to his wife and his children, is linked specifically to his mandate as regional governor in 2014 and 2015, which he, according to the head of the American diplomacy Antony Blinken, abused "
for his personal advantage
".
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In his statement, however, the Secretary of State expressed more general concerns about Igor Kolomoysky, former owner of Ukraine's largest private bank, privatized after he was suspected of having siphoned off it. 5.5 billion euros.
“
I also want to express our concern about Kolomoisky's current and persistent efforts to undermine Ukraine's democratic processes and institutions, which poses a significant threat to its future,
” said Antony Blinken.
“
The United States continues to stand alongside all Ukrainians who are working to promote reforms,
” he added.
Decision welcomed by the Ukrainian Presidency
The Ukrainian presidency welcomed Washington's decision in a statement.
"
Ukraine must overcome the domination of the oligarchs for its economic prosperity and Euro-Atlantic integration
," the statement said, adding that Kiev "
is grateful to all its partners for their support on this path
."
The head of state Volodymyr Zelensky did not however speak personally on the American decision while Igor Kolomoïski has long been considered as one of his relatives.
Ex-actor, Volodymyr Zelensky was elected president in 2019 thanks in part to media support from Igor Kolomoïski, whose popular television channel broadcast his comedy shows and television series.
Elected on the promise of fighting corruption, he then appointed several close to the oligarch to important positions before distancing himself from the billionaire.
The name of Igor Kolomoïski had appeared in one of the main scandals of Donald Trump's tenure in the White House.
The ex-president was indicted in Congress - before being acquitted by the Senate controlled by his Republican camp - for having pressured his Ukrainian counterpart to investigate the son of his opponent Joe Biden, who finally defeated him in the election last November.
Donald Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani had met the oligarch, apparently so that he could play matchmaker with Volodymyr Zelensky.
The US Treasury in January sanctioned four Ukrainians who assisted Rudy Giuliani in his efforts, accusing them of electoral interference.
Among them is a parliamentarian considered close to Igor Kolomoïski.