The Monaco Battalion 4: Ukrainska Pravda tracks down Operation Midas suspects on the French Riviera

Four years ago, in July 2022, Ukrainska Pravda published the first episode of its Monaco Battalion series, exposing members of Ukraine's elite who had fled abroad during the full-scale war.

Now, in mid-2026, it's safe to say that this exclusive "unit" has no shortage of resources or supplies. On the contrary, it has plenty to show off. New Rolls-Royces, new yachts, new private jets – and some new faces, including former law enforcement officials and would-be oligarchs.

And the only thing that still seems to unsettle the people here is the arrival of an Ukrainska Pravda film crew.

Where is Yurii Ivaniushchenko hiding from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau? How many new aircraft has Rinat Akhmetov acquired? Where did Vasyl Veselyi, who featured in the Mindich tapes, flee to after investigators carried out searches at his home? How is it that the MP Hryhorii Surkis continues to spend extended periods living in Monte Carlo despite the ban on MPs taking holidays abroad? And of course, the report includes the last footage of businessman Vadym Yermolaiev before the attempt on his life.

All this and much more in the latest episode of The Monaco Battalion.

P.S. A few days ago, some journalists from Le Figaro asked me to explain the concept of the Monaco Battalion to a French audience. The problem with Monaco is not that the super-rich live and holiday there. The problem is that they still are "earning" – and in some cases stealing – their money in Ukraine.

Mykhailo Tkach, Ukrainska Pravda