Treason for 700 thousand rubles: ex-captain of the Ukrainian national team Tymoshchuk is suspected of helping the Russian army
16 May 16:42
The former captain of the Ukrainian national football team, Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, has been suspected of helping to finance the Russian army. This was reported by the Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
Although the statement of law enforcement officers does not mention a name, the details of the case make it clear that it is Tymoshchuk. Since 2017, he has been working as an assistant head coach at the Russian football club Zenit (St. Petersburg).
In September 2024, Zenit took part in a charity match organized to raise funds to support units of the Russian Armed Forces. The shirts of the game participants were sold at auction. Among the lots was a T-shirt signed by Tymoshchuk, which was sold for 700 thousand rubles (approximately 360 thousand hryvnias). The proceeds were used to support the 106th reconnaissance battalion of the Russian army, which is now known as Svetloyar.
Anatoliy Tymoshchuk is a former captain of the Ukrainian national football team, who is currently under investigation on suspicion of aiding the aggressor state.
Career and achievements
He was born on March 30, 1979 in Lutsk. He began his football career at the local Volyn, after which he played for Shakhtar Donetsk, Zenit St. Petersburg, Bayern Munich and Kazakhstan’s Kairat. He played 144 matches for the Ukrainian national team, which is a record, and was the team captain. He participated in the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Suspicion of aiding the aggressor state
On May 16, 2025, the Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office notified Tymoshchuk of suspicion of aiding the aggressor state, the Russian Federation. According to the investigation, he helped raise funds for Russian military units fighting against Ukraine. In particular, his autographed T-shirt was sold at an auction for 700 thousand rubles, and the proceeds were used to support the 106th reconnaissance battalion of the Russian Armed Forces.
Under Part 1 of Art. 111-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (aiding the aggressor state), Tymoshchuk faces up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.
Public Reaction and Sanctions
After the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Tymoshchuk did not condemn Russia’s actions and continued to work at Zenit. In this regard, the Ukrainian Football Association stripped him of all his titles, including the title of record holder for the number of matches in the national team, and banned him from engaging in any football activities in Ukraine. In addition, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved sanctions against him.
