In Russia, the former daughter-in-law of Ukraine's third president, Viktor Yushchenko, Elizaveta Yushchenko, has been embroiled in a legal dispute over her ex-husband's multibillion-dollar debt. The loan is worth more than 1.5 billion rubles, which, according to Russian media and the lender, was received and not repaid by businessman Sergei Yefimtsev, known in certain circles by the nickname "Vakha Malenky.".
According to the plaintiff, the funds were transferred in 2023 by a deputy of the Legislative Assembly of the Krasnodar Territory of the Russian Federation. Part of the amount was allegedly used for family needs. The publications mention expenses for the purchase of a land plot in the Moscow region, real estate in France, a premium car, and jewelry.
After the debt repayment deadline expired, the creditor stated that he had received only partial compensation. At the same time, the couple initiated a divorce and concluded a marriage contract. In Russia, this was regarded as a possible attempt to redistribute property in order to minimize financial obligations. The court is demanding the recovery of more than 1.3 billion rubles, including interest.
Initially, the defendant in the case was only Yefimtsev. However, the court of first instance recognized the debt obligations as joint for the spouses and involved Elizaveta Yushchenko in the process. Thus, she can be recognized as a solidary debtor.
Yushchenko herself denies the claims. She insists that, according to the terms of the marriage contract, all valuable property passed to her ex-husband, and therefore she should not be responsible for his financial obligations. The defense plans to appeal the court's decision in the appellate court.
There have been no public comments from representatives of Yushchenko's family or the Ukrainian side at this time.
