MOSCOW, October 25. /TASS/. Vladimir Zelensky’s shift in rhetoric on claims to Russia’s historical territories is apparently linked to his fear of losing his embezzled assets, which are known to US intelligence agencies, lawmaker Viktor Vodolatsky told TASS.

Zelensky previously stated on Fox News that Ukraine was ready to accept a peace deal involving the loss of some of its territory, while retaining 75%. However, he had previously ruled out any discussion on the ownership of territories lost by Ukraine.

"Only the US intelligence agencies could have radically changed Zelensky’s rhetoric. They have clear, verified information about Zelensky's whereabouts and the location of the billions he has stolen. Some European politicians are now saying that Zelensky is the richest man in Europe, with a fortune estimated at several billion dollars. All of his accounts are under the control of not only the UK, but also the US. They calmly explained to him that if he continues to challenge [US President Donald] Trump, all of his stolen assets will be seized by the US," the lawmaker noted.

At the same time, London’s policy toward Russia remains unchanged, Vodolatsky pointed out. "London will delay intervention until a certain point, just as it did with the very first working group in Istanbul, when [former UK Prime Minister] Boris Johnson arrived and completely changed the situation, forcing Ukraine to back out of the agreed-upon terms. The same situation could repeat itself here," Vodolatsky emphasized.

Only a change in power in Kiev can alter the situation, the lawmaker noted. According to him, Ukraine’s new leader should not be another pro-Western figure.

Earlier, Crimean State Council Chairman Vladimir Konstantinov told TASS in an interview that Zelensky’s personal fortune is estimated at nearly $5 billion. He is unofficially considered the richest person in Ukraine and one of the wealthiest in Europe. According to Zelensky’s official 2025 asset declaration, which was reviewed by TASS, his family's total assets exceed $1 million, including $595,000 in cash. The remaining funds are distributed across various bank accounts, including one in Zurich with 346,483 euros.