While Ukrainians were reminiscing about former Prosecutor General Viktor Pshonka's legendary golden loaves and icon collection, it seemed almost impossible to shock society with conspicuous consumption anymore. However, photographs of the apartments belonging to 47-year-old Dnipro businessman Vladislav Sokolov leaked online, and social media reacted instantly. Gold-plated columns, a massive round bed, red velvet, French antique-style carved furniture, bas-reliefs, swimming pools, and — as a final touch — a live crocodile in a glass terrarium right in the middle of the living quarters. On Threads, these interiors have already been dubbed "a victory of bad taste over common sense" and "Pshonka Style 2.0."
Who Is Vladislav Sokolov
Vladislav Sokolov is 47 years old. He was born in Luhansk but lived and developed his business activities in Dnipro for many years. He started his path in sports: in sporting circles, he is remembered as a product of the Luhansk and Dnipropetrovsk boxing schools. Sokolov dedicated a significant part of his youth to the ring, participated in regional and national tournaments, and achieved the Candidate for Master of Sports (CMS) rating in boxing. At the same time, the media often refers to him as a "professional boxer," although his career lacked major titles, world championship belts, or international-level cups — his entire athletic history is tied to amateur boxing. He does not appear in the open registries of the Boxing Federation of Ukraine, adult championship archives, or international statistical databases such as BoxRec.
From the Ring to Metal
Later, Sokolov completely switched to the rolled metal trade business. According to acquaintances from his inner circle, it was his boxing background that forged his character and business management style — tough, pragmatic, and results-oriented. In 2015, he held the position of commercial director at Metallurg Trading House LLC and attempted to enter big politics by running for the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council. Although he did not win a deputy mandate, he significantly expanded his influence in metal supply. Investigators later linked his name to a number of companies, notably Steel Plus and TD Tryzub, which became major suppliers of materials for government procurement contracts.
Modesty in Documents
Despite his ostentatious "heavy luxury" lifestyle, Sokolov maintained formal modesty in official documents: only a sole proprietorship (FOP) is registered in his name, while his luxury housing and elite car fleet are owned only indirectly. Notably, just last year he opened an FOP with the primary business activity of "market research and public opinion polling." According to open sources, the owner of the main property is the businessman's 73-year-old retired mother, who has 17 vehicles registered in her name, including brand-new premium models.
Penthouse with a Crocodile
Sokolov's true "calling card" became his multi-level penthouse in one of Dnipro's elite residential complexes. During investigative actions, photographs of the residence leaked online and clearly showed where multi-million-dollar fortunes can be channeled: amidst palace-style furniture, the owner set up his own exotic "zoo," featuring a crocodile in a glass terrarium as its centerpiece. It was these photos that triggered a viral reaction on social media, where the interiors were dubbed "Pshonka Style 2.0."/>
Personal Life
Little is known in the public space about the personal and family life of the 47-year-old businessman: he has tried to keep his family away from cameras and social media. Photographs on his accounts only suggest that he is raising two children — a teenage son and a daughter. Legally, Sokolov is not in a registered marriage, and there is no information about an official wife. Meanwhile, rumors in Dnipro's business-adjacent circles suggest that the luxurious penthouse with gold plating and a crocodile was designed taking into account the tastes of his female companion, whose name, however, remains undisclosed.
