A citizen of Ukraine and Israel, Artem Marchevsky, accused by Czech authorities of organizing a Moscow-funded propaganda network from Prague, has been granted temporary protection in neighboring Slovakia, reports Denik N.
In March, the Czech Republic accused Marchevsky and pro-Russian Ukrainian oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk, who lives in Russia, of spreading disinformation and financing Kremlin-friendly politicians in the EU.
After Czech authorities sanctioned both men, Marchevsky left his Prague residence for Slovakia. The Slovakian government is currently led by Prime Minister Robert Fico, known for his anti-Ukrainian rhetoric and warm attitude toward the Kremlin.
Marchevsky had been living in the Czech Republic since 2022, reportedly arriving shortly after the start of the full-scale war and obtaining temporary protection as a Ukrainian "refugee."
The reason for his departure from Ukraine was an investigation by Ukrainian authorities into his collaboration with Russia.
Prague planned to strip Marchevsky of his EU residency status after his alleged role in the "Voice of Europe" disinformation network was revealed, but this could only happen 60 days after the sanctions took effect.
These plans were thwarted by the decision of the Slovak Ministry of Interior to grant Marchevsky temporary protection in Slovakia, meaning that Czech authorities could no longer influence his residency status in the EU.
