Clashes at Poroshenko Mansion: Claims over Medvedchuk Probe and Zelensky Accused in Protest

The following day, Demokratychna Sokyra began a similar protest outside Zelensky's home.

On the night of October 9–10, clashes broke out near the mansion of Ukraine's fifth president, Petro Poroshenko, in the village of Kozyn. Young people staged a protest and tried to break into the mansion.

Meanwhile, Poroshenko's supporters got into a brawl with the protesters, and police had to separate them.

More on Poroshenko's reaction to the incident and a new protest outside the home of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Night Clashes

On the night of October 9, dozens of young people began trying to break into the home of Petro Poroshenko, leader of European Solidarity.

Poroshenko's opponents said they had come to demand that the fifth president explain his links to Viktor Medvedchuk and whether he helped finance militants in ORDLO after the release of new 'Medvedchuk tapes'.

According to National Police, actions by two public organizations with different views on the political events in the country took place there.

60 law enforcement officers arrived in the village to maintain public order. Police said a verbal conflict broke out between participants of the action, 'which police quickly stopped'.

After that, it was reported that there was repeated jostling between the sides of the action, which police regularly stopped, preventing the conflict from escalating. 

The next day, police drew up an administrative protocol under the article on petty hooliganism against one participant and noted that 'no other significant violations of public order were recorded'. 

Meanwhile, European Solidarity MP Iryna Heraschenko noted that clashes had occurred, and European Solidarity itself appealed to the adviser to the Commissioner for Children's Rights, Daria Herasymenko, demanding she immediately go to Kozyn and, together with police, 'protect minors from participating in provocations'.

Poroshenko's Reaction

After the incident, while speaking with his supporters, Petro Poroshenko directly accused the Presidential Office and Volodymyr Zelensky himself, saying they would have to bear responsibility.

According to Poroshenko, 'Russian-speaking titushky, who are ready to sell Ukraine for money,' arrived at his home.

Petro Poroshenko
People's Deputy, fifth President of Ukraine

This dirty scenario, paid for with money stolen from taxpayers, is aimed at distracting attention and avoiding responsibility. <...> To the Presidential Office I want to say: you will bear responsibility for this. You will answer for the inaction of law enforcement agencies, for the fact that the Presidential Office gives orders to buy titushky and sends them here, insulting Ukraine. Volodymyr Oleksandrovych, we are certainly not afraid of you, but you are afraid of us!

Continuation of the Protest

On the evening of October 10, the protest outside Poroshenko's home continued. This time, protesters brought pumpkins.

Protesters continue to express dissatisfaction with the alleged link between Poroshenko and Medvedchuk, demanding he 'hand him over or go to prison with him'.

At the same time, the rally by Poroshenko's supporters continues, with about 100 National Police officers maintaining order.

New Protest at Zelensky's

Meanwhile, on the evening of October 10, opponents from the party Demokratychna Sokyra gathered near President Volodymyr Zelensky's home in Konche-Zaspa for a protest.

Dozens of protesters' cars gathered near the entrance to the residence. Along the fence at the exit from the residence, National Guard members and police lined up. No fewer than two hundred law enforcement officers were on site, reports UP. According to the protest organizers, there were about 500 law enforcement officers.

Demokratychna Sokyra co-founder Viktor Tregubov earlier reported on Facebook that protest participants would gather at 5 p.m. at Teremky and head to Konche-Zaspa to 'say hello to Zelensky'.

Viktor Tregubov
co-founder of Demokratychna Sokyra

For the Wagner mercenaries, for using police to steal posters, for destroying corporate reform, and for all the reasons we take to the streets every week.

According to Tregubov, the action had reportedly been announced as early as Friday, and on Saturday unknown persons began a rally outside the home of former President Petro Poroshenko in Kozyn.

Viktor Tregubov

There is a certain suspicion that this is a symmetrical response from Yermak, because in his world of anonymous Telegram channels we work for Poroshenko, and therefore revenge must be aimed at him. I feel a bit awkward, because we are not going to Zelensky's on our own initiative. And if so, then the fifth president is suffering for our sins. Sorry, Petro Oleksiyovych, a little mix-up. As compensation, we will try to bring you some fruit on the way.

According to Yuriy Hudymenko, co-organizer of the action and leader of Demokratychna Sokyra, about 100–150 participants gathered at Zelensky's home.

They are holding signs reading: 'This is not even Kvartal-95 anymore, it's a sold-out show, sold-out show', 'You will be tried for Vagnergate', and others.

Subsequently, activists lit flares and unfurled a banner with an image of Zelensky and the words 'Kolomoisky — under sanctions'.