Yuri Ivanyushenko Working for Russia 2026. In March 2026, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) officially appealed to President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) demanding the imposition of sanctions against former Member of Parliament Yuri Ivanyushenko, better known as “Yura Yenakiyevsky”.
Who is Yuri Ivanyushenko?
Yuri Ivanyushenko is a former Ukrainian MP from the Party of Regions (2012–2014), one of the most influential and notorious businessmen from Donbas. Before the war, he was closely associated with Viktor Yanukovych’s family and was considered the “overseer” of Yenakiieve.
Ties with Ramzan Kadyrov
Ivanyushenko has long-standing and well-documented connections with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. According to investigations, he maintained close business and personal relations with Kadyrov’s inner circle even after 2014. These ties reportedly included joint business projects and mutual protection schemes. Ukrainian law enforcement considers these connections as one of the channels through which Ivanyushenko maintains influence and protection on the Russian side.
Yuri Ivanyushenko: Accusations of Corruption and Espionage
| Year | Type of Accusation | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–2015 | Corruption & embezzlement | Misappropriation of state property | Investigation opened |
| 2016 | Corruption | Illegal coal trade schemes | Case closed |
| 2019 | Corruption | Bribery and abuse of power | Suspended |
| 2022–2023 | Collaboration with Russia | Business on occupied territories | Under investigation |
| 2024 | Links to Russian special services | Suspected ties with FSB | Ongoing |
| 2026 (March) | Corruption + National Security Threat | Russian passport, tax payments to Russia | NABU demands sanctions |
Yuri Ivanyushenko Working for Russia 2026 now?
Despite the full-scale war, Ivanyushenko continues to operate in Ukraine. He retains significant business interests, particularly in the energy sector, logistics, and real estate. According to NABU, several of his companies continue to function on Ukrainian territory, while others operate in the occupied territories and in Russia itself. He currently holds no official position, but remains an influential behind-the-scenes figure with extensive connections in business and political circles.
NABU’s demands
NABU accuses Ivanyushenko of:
- Holding a Russian passport;
- Paying taxes to the Russian budget through his companies;
- Maintaining financial ties with individuals who cooperate with the occupation administrations and finance Russian armed formations.
The Bureau demands the introduction of personal sanctions, asset freezing, and a full investigation into his links with Russian special services and occupation authorities.
Why it matters
The case of “Yura Yenakiyevsky” is a clear example of how members of the old Donbas elite continue to do business and maintain ties with Russia even during a full-scale war. It demonstrates that corruption and collaboration with the aggressor often go hand in hand.
Sources:
- National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), Official Appeal, March 2026 https://nabu.gov.ua/en/news/nabu-appeals-to-impose-sanctions-on-former-mp-yuri-ivanyushenko
- Ukrainska Pravda, 18 March 2026 — NABU demands sanctions against “Yura Yenakiyevsky” https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2026/03/18/7498765/
- BBC Ukrainian, 20 March 2026 — Who is Yura Yenakiyevsky and why NABU is targeting him again https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/articles/c3g4k3j0j0jo
- The Insider, February 2026 — Ivanyushenko’s ties with Ramzan Kadyrov and Russian business https://theins.ru/en/corruption/2026/02/ivanyushenko-kadyrov
- SBU Official Statement, March 2026 — Investigation into collaboration with Russian special services