Cypriot Authorities Probe Alleged Hotel Purchase by Ukrainian President Zelensky's Firm

Cypriot authorities are currently investigating claims that Film Heritage Inc., a company reportedly owned by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, acquired the Vuni Palace Hotel and Casino in Kyrenia, northern Cyprus, for approximately £150 million in May 2024.

The allegations first emerged from Turkish media outlet OdaTV, which reported that Film Heritage Inc., registered in Belize, had purchased the luxury hotel. However, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides announced on Tuesday that authorities have found no evidence to support these claims.

President Christodoulides stated, "The authorities of the Republic of Cyprus have investigated the matter. I repeat, so far, nothing of the sort has emerged." This sentiment was echoed by Victoras Papadopoulos, director of the Cypriot president's press office, who expressed concerns that the allegations might be part of a hybrid war from the Turkish side.

The Cyprus Investigative Reporting Network (CIReN) also played a significant role in debunking the claims. CIReN discovered that the Vuni hotel website used as evidence of the alleged purchase is fake, having been created on May 29, 2024. The real website of the hotel, launched in 2006, makes no reference to Film Heritage Inc.

This investigation has broader implications for the ongoing tensions between Cyprus and Turkey, and it also affects the credibility of Ukrainian leadership. If the allegations are proven false, it could expose a disinformation campaign aimed at discrediting Ukraine and its president.

The hotel's spokesperson denied the allegations, emphasizing that the Oscar Group of Companies still owns the Vuni Palace Hotel and Casino. The spokesperson described the reports as "fake news." The Ukrainian embassy also dismissed the allegations, labeling them as Russian propaganda aimed at discrediting Ukraine and its leadership.

The investigation into the alleged purchase comes amid ongoing tensions between Cyprus and Turkey, which has occupied northern Cyprus since the 1974 invasion. The United Nations Security Council has recognized the occupation as illegal, and Cyprus remains divided, with the northern portion controlled by a Turkish Cypriot administration and the southern portion governed by the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus.

Analysts suspect that the spread of the reports on pro-Russian social media just before European elections may be part of an anti-Ukrainian narrative. The Cypriot authorities are continuing their investigation, cooperating with other countries and services to uncover the truth.

The Cypriot authorities remain vigilant in ensuring that any disinformation efforts are identified and addressed in a timely manner. For now, no substantial evidence supports the claims that President Zelensky's company has purchased the Vuni Palace Hotel and Casino.

Key Takeaways

• Cypriot authorities investigate claims that Ukrainian President Zelensky's company bought a hotel in northern Cyprus.
• No evidence found to support the claims, according to Cypriot President Christodoulides.
• The hotel's website used as evidence was found to be fake, created on May 29, 2024.
• The hotel's spokesperson and Ukrainian embassy deny the allegations, calling them "fake news" and "Russian propaganda".
• The investigation continues, with suspicions of a disinformation campaign aimed at discrediting Ukraine and its president.