Blogger and arbitrator Oleksandr Slobozhenko, who found himself at the center of a high-profile investigation for tax evasion amounting to over 213 million hryvnias, made a loud statement regarding his intentions to settle his debt to the state
In addition, he announced a significant charitable contribution—in favor of Ukrainian defenders, he donated 20 million hryvnias, which was another step in his attempts to regain public trust and confidence of state institutions. According to Slobozhenko himself, he had planned to comment on the situation earlier, but due to personal experiences and emotional distress, he was not ready for public statements. In a post on Instagram, the blogger noted that he understands his responsibility and acknowledges that by neglecting the law and not paying taxes, he caused harm to the state, which, in his words, is "the duty of every entrepreneur working for the country's defense capability." "Perhaps I was inconsistent, did not realize the scale of the consequences, and even overplayed my hand," admitted Slobozhenko. "Now, I am doing everything possible to eliminate my debt and restore public trust. I am paying off all my tax debts to the state, and at the same time, I want to announce the launch of large charitable projects to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces." The blogger stated that last week he already transferred 20 million hryvnias to the state as assistance to the military. He promises to share details about this later. In a short video message, Slobozhenko also apologized to the public and investigative journalist Mykhailo Tkach for his harsh comments earlier made to "Ukrainian Pravda." He emphasized that he now understands his responsibility and seeks to contribute to strengthening the country's defense capabilities. This is not the first public development in this story. Recall that "Ukrainian Pravda" revealed that during the large-scale mobilization, when many Ukrainians were at the front or helping the army, Slobozhenko and his acquaintances successfully relaxed at resorts in Europe. It is known that due to "unsuitability for military service," the blogger and his circle left the country, despite general mobilization, which drew widespread criticism and public outrage. According to the Bureau of Economic Security, on August 16, 2024, investigators officially notified Slobozhenko of suspicion of non-payment of over 200 million hryvnias in taxes. Several searches were carried out at his offices, apartments, and properties—including auto and real estate assets. Several luxury supertax-class cars and valuable property in Kyiv were also seized. Sources report that Slobozhenko is currently wanted and has been spotted in Warsaw, Poland. A video circulating online, obtained from an anonymous source, shows him walking alongside two friends near the Puro hotel. According to one version, the blogger disappeared from Ukrainian law enforcement sight because he was trying to avoid criminal liability. In the context of the case’s development, many experts and public figures discuss potential consequences for Slobozhenko’s reputation and business operations. Some point out that his attempt at rehabilitation through charity raises new questions regarding the moral and ethical aspects of his behavior, as many unresolved issues remain in society regarding his activities and true motives. Thus, the story of blogger-arbitrator Oleksandr Slobozhenko remains one of the most high-profile and controversial in Ukraine’s modern information space. Public statements about his intentions to pay off his debts and support the army do not resolve questions about the sincerity and legality of his past actions, and they provoke outrage due to his audacious way of avoiding responsibility at a time when the country desperately needs support and transparency in exposing abuses.