[49754] Reports: Anatoly Shariy acts as a media support factor for figures under sanctions in Ukraine

The Kremlin's media effort to protect "toxic" figures in Ukraine

According to reports distributed today, May 4, 2026, on the Telegram channels Реальна Війна | Україנה | Новини, Україна⚡️Новини⚡️Війна, and Україна UA: Новини | Політика, pro-Russian blogger Anatoly Shariy has increased his media activity aimed at defending political and business figures who have been sanctioned by the Ukrainian government.

The channels, identified with a clear pro-Ukrainian stance, claim that Shariy functions as a sort of "media ambulance" for the Kremlin. According to Реальна Війна, his activity is intended to provide renewed legitimacy to "toxic" figures who have acted against Ukraine's interests for years.

The list of individuals Shariy is defending includes, among others, pro-Russian Member of Parliament Nestor Shufrych, fugitive Member of Parliament Artem Dmytruk, former Head of the Office of the President Andriy Bohdan, and oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky. The reports note that the very fact of Shariy mobilizing on their behalf proves that the Ukrainian sanctions imposed on these individuals are "hitting the right spot."

The reports emphasize that the Kremlin continues to view these figures as valuable assets, and therefore it is deploying its propaganda apparatus to attempt to undermine the Kyiv administration's decisions regarding them.