Smilyansky spoke about his experience within Putin’s system
Ihor Smilianskyi, the head of Ukrposhta, shared details about his professional career in Russia, where he worked in the upper echelons of business for ten years.
Despite his high status and his role in preparing strategic documents for the Kremlin’s top official, the official managed to avoid a direct handshake with the Russian dictator.
The nature of Smiliansky’s work at leading Russian banks and companies involved preparing analytical reports that eventually landed directly on Vladimir Putin’s desk.
“No, we don’t know each other. I saw him, but we didn’t greet each other. We prepared documents for him, but, thank God, we didn’t greet each other,” the head of Ukrposhta noted in an interview.
When asked how he views the lack of personal contact with the Kremlin leader, Smiliansky responded cautiously. The official emphasized that he does not know whether this is good or bad, but expressed satisfaction that the distance between them was maintained.
During the Revolution of Dignity in 2013–2014, Smelyanskiy came under close surveillance by Russian intelligence agencies.
Since he flew weekly between Kyiv and Moscow to visit his family, FSB agents repeatedly detained him for checks at special checkpoints.
To protect himself from pressure by security forces, the top manager used his specific knowledge of the internal hierarchy of the Russian government.
Instead of lengthy explanations, he showed business cards of influential figures he had worked with, including the son of Mikhail Fradkov, then head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service.
“I know exactly what they react to, like Pavlov’s dogs. I pull out the business cards and say, ‘Look.’ At the time, Fradkov was the head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, and I worked with his son. I say, ‘See? Any questions?’” Smiliansky recounted his methods of dealing with the FSB.
The reaction of Russian security officials to the names of top officials was immediate and predictable.
Upon seeing the level of Smiliansky’s contacts, they ceased any pressure, saluted him, and escorted him, recording details about the influential passenger for future reference.
As a reminder, Smiliansky’s business partner has companies in Russia and the temporarily occupied territories.
Recently, Ukrposhta CEO Ihor Smiliansky explained in detail for the first time why, in response to corruption allegations, he called a woman a “prostitute.” According to him, it was a deliberate “expression” intended to show his haters how painful it is to face unfounded accusations.
As a reminder, Ukrposhta is preparing a major leap toward digitalization and improved service. Customers will soon be able to pay for packages online, track their delivery, and pay by card even in the most remote villages.
Additionally, Ukrposhta has been designated as a military infrastructure facility with 100% protection.
