Father of Latvian politician Stepaņenko: "I'm proud of what I did and do"
In an interview with Latvian Television, Russia-based businessman Sergejs Fedotovs, father of Latvian politician Jūlija Stepaņenko, confirmed his company helped the Russian army and said he is proud of it. Stepaņenko has received 420,000 euros in gifts from her father since 2022.
Latvian Television (LTV) has published an interview with Russia-based businessman Sergejs Fedotovs, father of Latvian politician Jūlija Stepaņenko. Fedotovs owns "Forma," a construction company group based near Moscow that has previously been linked to producing so-called "dragon's teeth" anti-tank barriers and preparing stoves for shipment to the front line.
Confirms involvement, refuses to apologize
When an LTV journalist referenced previously public information that Fedotovs' company had prepared around 50 mobile stoves, he confirmed the company had provided metal to help with this. Told that such support for the Russian military is not accepted within the European Union, Fedotovs replied that he lives in Russia, not the EU, and therefore the EU's position does not apply to him.
Fedotovs described his actions as helping people affected by the war, including civilians suffering from bombing and other strikes. When the conversation returned to his company's assistance to the Russian army, he stated that he does not intend to justify himself to the journalist and, on the contrary, is proud of what he has done and continues to do.
Has not discussed the matter with his daughter
Fedotovs told LTV that he has not spoken with his daughter about his stance and does not believe he needs to. It has previously been publicly reported that Stepaņenko has received monetary and real estate gifts from her father totaling 420,000 euros since 2022.
