Do you ever check anything before posting crap…..
No, Rinat Akhmetov and Volodymyr Zelenskyy are not friends, and they have historically shared a highly tense and adversarial relationship.
While they have united in defense of Ukraine following Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion, their relationship remains strictly professional and politically complex rather than personal.
Pre-War Tensions and ConflictsBefore the full-scale war, Akhmetov—Ukraine's richest billionaire and oligarch—was a vocal opponent and major target of Zelenskyy's political agenda.
Key friction points included:The "Anti-Oligarch" Law: In late 2021, Zelenskyy championed a legislative crackdown aimed at curbing the political and media influence of billionaires. Akhmetov strongly resisted the measure, labeling himself an investor rather than an oligarch. In response, media outlets owned by Akhmetov aggressively amplified criticism of Zelenskyy.
Coup Allegations: Tensions reached a boiling point in November 2021 when Zelenskyy publicly alleged that Ukrainian intelligence had uncovered a Russian-backed coup plot that individuals in Akhmetov's inner circle were attempting to draw him into. Akhmetov furiously rejected the claim, calling it an "absolute lie".
Wartime DynamicThe launch of Russia’s invasion shifted their dynamic from bitter political rivals to pragmatic co-belligerents.The "Same Team" Against Russia: Following the invasion, Akhmetov stated that the war left no room for political infighting. He has poured hundreds of millions of dollars into supporting the Ukrainian military and humanitarian relief through organizations like the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation.Mutual Respect from a Distance:
Akhmetov publicly praised Zelenskyy's courage and leadership for remaining in Kyiv during the invasion. However, the relationship remains distant. In an interview with The Guardian, Akhmetov noted that he last saw Zelenskyy in person on February 23, 2022—the day before the invasion began. While there is currently no active conflict between them, their bond is defined by wartime necessity, not personal friendship
|
'In years to come, Europeans and Americans will struggle to explain to their ... [more]