In response to a wave of information triggered by a journalistic piece published by Ukrainska Pravda, the National Agency of Ukraine for Finding, Tracing and Management of Assets (ARMA) officially states:
From the moment the arrested vessel Royal Romance, linked to treason suspect Viktor Medvedchuk, was transferred to ARMA for sale, the Agency has implemented a full range of measures to ensure its sale for the benefit of the state.
In particular:
- Conducted a technical inspection of the vessel and confirmed its seaworthiness
- Developed a procedure for the sale of arrested assets abroad
- Secured the yacht’s registration under the flag of Ukraine
- Maintained communication with the Government of Croatia, relevant ministries, international brokers, and auction platforms
- Obtained the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine’s approval for the sale procedure
- Conducted a transparent, open competition to select the yacht’s seller, in which world-class auction houses competed for the right to sell Viktor Medvedchuk’s superyacht
- Following additional arrest orders in other criminal proceedings, repeatedly requested that the Office of the Prosecutor General ensure international legal assistance for recognition of the Ukrainian court’s decision in Croatia
- As a result of the joint and systematic work of ARMA and law enforcement agencies, all assets linked to Viktor Medvedchuk have been frozen within the European Union.
It is important to note that under Article 545 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine, ARMA is not an authority empowered to carry out international legal assistance (MLA). This means the Agency has no procedural powers to independently initiate or enforce Ukrainian court decisions outside Ukraine’s jurisdiction.
However, within available mechanisms, ARMA has:
- Ensured comprehensive communication with law enforcement and diplomatic bodies
- Prepared all necessary documentation for the sale of the asset
- Coordinated actions to ensure the implementation of international legal procedures by other authorized bodies
We emphasize: the Agency is responsible for managing arrested assets strictly within the limits defined by law. We do not shift responsibility but act within the legal framework, relying on the competence of relevant authorities in the sphere of international legal cooperation.
The investigation repeatedly referred to an alleged “nationalization” of the Royal Romance yacht. ARMA is unaware of any such facts. As of today, the only known legal status of the asset is arrest in criminal proceedings. ARMA is not an authority empowered to decide on the nationalization of property. The Agency enforces court rulings and acts exclusively within its mandate as an executive authority.
To provide the public with accurate information, ARMA notes that it has taken all necessary measures to change the vessel’s flag to Ukrainian. Specifically:
- Submitted relevant applications to the Ukrainian Shipping Administration
- Initiated amendments to regulations governing ship registration
- Secured the yacht’s registration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Regarding state budget expenditures: ARMA has not carried out technical maintenance or storage of the Royal Romance yacht, as the State Budget of Ukraine does not provide for financing the upkeep of arrested assets abroad.
Thus, no state budget funds or taxpayers’ money have been spent on servicing the yacht, which remains under arrest within criminal proceedings.
ARMA also expresses gratitude to journalists for their attention to issues of public and national importance. We are convinced that open public dialogue on the management of arrested assets promotes transparency, accountability, and trust in institutions. The Agency remains open to cooperation and ready to provide comprehensive information on its activities within the framework of Ukrainian legislation.
