Ukrainian Property Fund conducted an online auction for the sale of an apartment belonging to Russian designer and propagandist Artemy Lebedev. The winning bidder was LLC “Center for Unmanned Systems Research,” known as the producer of “General Chereshnya” drones. The company announced its intention to create a space for new Ukrainian culture in the premises.
The State Property Fund announced the auction results.
The property in question is a three-room, two-level apartment spanning 138.5 square meters, situated on Yaroslaviv Val Street in the heart of Kyiv, close to the historical landmark “Golden Gate.” The starting price for the asset was UAH 10.58 million.
Following open competitive bidding, the final price of the apartment reached UAH 13,500,001, exceeding the initial price by almost UAH 3 million. The successful bidder was LLC “Center for Unmanned Systems Research” – a Ukrainian developer and manufacturer of FPV drones and “General Chereshnya” unmanned aerial vehicles.
The State Property Fund reminded that proceeds from the sale of sanctioned assets are directed to the Fund for the Liquidation of the Consequences of Armed Aggression for the subsequent reconstruction of the state.
“This apartment is no longer a symbol of the impunity of a Russian propagandist. From now on, it is another example of how the property of individuals who supported the war against Ukraine is transformed into a resource for our state’s recovery. Sanctions have not only political but also very real economic consequences,” the fund’s post stated.
On social media, “General Chereshnya” announced that they acquired the apartment “on principle for public benefit.” They now plan to establish a space for new Ukrainian culture in the premises, with further project details to be released later.
“Lebedev’s apartment is located in the very historical center of Kyiv – near the Golden Gate. It’s a wonderful location, but a Russian propagandist has no business being there.”
Information on Artemy Lebedev’s Activities
Artemy Lebedev is a Russian designer, blogger, and propagandist who publicly supports the Russian occupation of Crimea and denounces the Revolution of Dignity.
In 2017, the Security Service of Ukraine banned him from entering the country for five years due to activities detrimental to national interests in the sphere of information security. He attempted to challenge this decision, but the court upheld it.
In January 2022, the designer was subjected to sanctions by Ukraine. In February 2023, YouTube blocked Lebedev’s channel for supporting Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine.
Later, in March 2023, the SBU notified Lebedev of suspicion under Part 3 of Article 436-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – for justifying, recognizing as lawful, and denying the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, as well as glorifying its participants.
Furthermore, he visited the territory of the occupied Azovstal plant and took a photograph on the roof of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, where he filmed a report for Kremlin media outlets and disseminated it through his half-million-strong social media audience.
On July 10, 2023, the High Anti-Corruption Court fully granted the lawsuit filed by the Ministry of Justice and imposed sanctions on Artemy Lebedev – confiscating two apartments in the center of Kyiv, with areas of 138 sq. m and 193 sq. m, in favor of the state. One of these is located on Yaroslaviv Val, and the other on Saksaganskoho Street.
In September 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers transferred these assets under the management of the State Property Fund. At that time, the fund announced that after the state registration of ownership rights, the issue of their privatization or lease would be addressed, and the proceeds from the sale of sanctioned property would be credited to the Fund for the Liquidation of the Consequences of Armed Aggression.