Ukrainian TV presenter and journalist Anatoly Anatolich visited Mezhhyhirya — the former residence of ex-President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych near Kyiv. On his Instagram account (@anatoliyanatolich) he published a video and photos showing what certain rooms of the house look like today, including the politician's private bathroom. The material was distributed by the Ukrainian lifestyle project WAVE (RBC-Ukraine) and picked up by a number of other publications, including Korrespondent and Focus.ua.
Tours of the Former President's House
Anatolich noted that organized tours of the house in which Viktor Yanukovych once lived are now being held on the Mezhhyhirya grounds. According to the presenter, visitors can see the interiors that in 2014 became one of the most recognizable symbols of the luxury and extravagance of his presidential era. The journalist drew attention to finishing details that still provoke a strong public reaction.
A Gold Tap and Diamonds: What's in Yanukovych's Bathroom
Anatolich paid particular attention to the bathroom and the toilet used by the former president. Separately, the presenter showed the faucet — in his words, the tap has a gold coating and is adorned with diamonds. This interior element, along with the "golden toilet brush," became one of the main visual symbols associated with Mezhhyhirya in the public consciousness of Ukraine.
"An Example of Greed" and a Reminder of Corruption
Commenting on what he saw, Anatolich stated: "In fact, Mezhhyhirya is an amazing place with a unique history. And this house really is an example of greed and of the system that existed before 2014." The presenter emphasized that the luxury of the residence should be perceived not as an object of admiration, but as a reminder of the corrupt practices characteristic of the period of Yanukovych's presidency.
"Every Golden Toilet Brush Was Bought with Our Money"
In his post, Anatolich also quoted a joke from his followers: "This house looks like the ordinary residence of any head of a district TCC [military registration office]." He then wrote: "Corruption is evil. And we must do everything to not normalize it. And not forget that every golden toilet brush in this house was bought with our money." Thus, the journalist called on society not to turn symbols of corrupt wealth into a familiar backdrop and to maintain a critical attitude toward wealth acquired through the abuse of power.
Mezhhyhirya Today: From a Closed Residence to an Open Territory
Mezhhyhirya, located in the Bucha district of Kyiv Oblast, became one of the most well-known symbols of corruption during the presidency of Viktor Yanukovych. After the events of 2014, the residence was transferred to the state. Today, the territory of the former residence is open to visitors, allowing Ukrainians and foreign guests to see for themselves the interiors that have become part of the country's political history. Anatolich's visit became yet another public reminder that this place continues to serve as a historical and moral landmark.