In Ukraine, there are numerous assets where the Russian regime invested its money. Leonid Chernovetsky also received some of them.
One of the dealings involved real estate – "Gazprom" purchased an unfinished castle-like house from the former mayor of Kyiv, Leonid Chernovetsky. According to insider information, the buyers paid one and a half million dollars for it. Shortly thereafter, they resold it. Both Chernovetsky and the "Gazprom" representatives conducted a "shadow" financial operation, pocketing significantly larger sums than the one and a half million. Neither "Lyonya-Cosmos" nor the gas workers needed this country house.
1 Today, we will discuss how this estate was constructed and what secrets it holds. At one time, I managed to interview the creator of this castle – Kyiv architect Boris Pisarenko. After my conversation with him, I visited the village of Khlepche near Kyiv several times to inquire about the condition of Pisarenko's creation. The castle left a horrifying and oppressive impression.
Although it towers on a hill, it may soon be engulfed by wild thickets that tightly surround the building from the main entrance and insidiously close in around it. A deep ravine is creeping closer to the castle walls, and in some places, grooves formed by rainwater have already broken through the mesh fence and are ravaging the yard.
2 Almost all the windows are shattered, with many frames lying on the ground. The tiles look as if they have been pelted by hail. The building, especially the fourth-floor wing, has suffered damage from a fire. Whether someone let a rooster loose or the fire accidentally embraced this structure is unknown.
3 Let's turn to the notebook page about the beginning of the construction.
4 – Fate had it that I got involved in this project through my acquaintance – architect Yevhen Nikolenko. One day in 1992, he mentioned that he had met businessman Chernovetsky, who offered a great job – to create a project for a beautiful country house measuring 20 by 30, – Boris Nazarovych Pisarenko told me. – The news was somewhat shocking because it was not just supposed to be a house, but… a castle in an old style. Nikolenko then asked me if I could take it on. After consulting with my wife (who is also an architect), I gave my colleague a positive response – saying we would create a "sweet treat" for Chernovetsky. Thus, in October 1992, the architectural and construction cooperative "Ruta," managed by Nikolenko, entered into a contract with me for design work. Later, "Ruta" withdrew from fulfilling its obligations, and Chernovetsky terminated his business relationship with Nikolenko and offered me to personally oversee the castle's construction. This meant I was to continue working on the project, supervise the construction, and also act as a contractor, a representative of the client, a supplier of materials, and even a storekeeper. I did not hesitate to accept this offer since a significant portion of the work had already been completed. I only told Chernovetsky one thing: we must enter into an author’s agreement. However, Leonid Mykhailovych replied that there was no need for that since he was an "extremely honest person." And he promised to generously reward me for my work. I believed him to my detriment.
And did you suspect anything wrong?
Not the slightest doubt existed. Especially since he himself suggested paying me a hundred dollars each month (it was supposedly compensation for how the "Ruta" cooperative had treated me poorly). How could I have known then that Chernovetsky was deceiving me and that in the end, I would get nothing for my project?
5 Castle-type buildings usually have their secrets. Perhaps you, as an architect, conceived something interesting?
The Chernovetsky castle indeed has a secret. Many years have passed since this secret emerged. Let’s consider the statute of limitations has expired, and it’s time to break the silence. Embedded in one of the castle’s walls is a special safe that no one knows about, except for two men who came up with this contraption. One of them is sitting in front of you.
6 Was the safe camouflaged?
It certainly was! Among the builders who erected the house was a clever fellow. His diligence was hard to overlook. One day he opened up to me, saying that once he was involved in various misdeeds, had been a "bear hunter," and had broken into safes, even served time in prison. However, he did not want to return to his old ways because he had a job, and people respected him… As we talked, the topic came up: this man began to share some tricks from his former "work" with safes, about secrets that couldn’t be unraveled. An idea arose – to create a hidden wonder-safe for the castle's owner, to surprise him. We were both excited by this desire. Perhaps it was influenced by the books I had read and the movies about ancient palaces with their mysteries. To ensure none of the workers figured out our plan, we stayed after 6 PM every day, and when everyone left, we bricked up the hiding place for the safe. I trusted this man as I would trust myself.
Was there a large team of builders working on the castle? Skilled craftsmen?
There were two teams – 25 people in total. Quite skilled specialists of high caliber. Previously, they had built a large temple on the outskirts of Boryspil. Additionally, there were craftsmen who specialized solely in the roof, which was complex.
Why did Chernovetsky choose this particular area for the estate?
I don’t know. Perhaps because there is a forest nearby. Chernovetsky wanted to buy it and create a lake. Apparently, he never got around to it. Ultimately, he didn’t plan to live here. To flaunt a castle – yes. To make a lot of money from this real estate.
7 What did you envision the main gate of the castle to be like? It must have been impressive?
Oh, yes! I made a project. Wrought-iron, baroque gates… Very beautiful. Next to them – a tower. I borrowed some elements from ancient castles. A stone fence with towers in an ancient style was also planned.
Was a family coat of arms intended to be included?
Yes. On the gate. I designed a place for it. Chernovetsky approved my sketches.
What was the central vestibule supposed to be like?
It was meant to be particularly luxurious, featuring a crystal chandelier with various patterns. It was planned to be made at an artistic glass factory. Everywhere – marble stairs, with matching railings.
Didn’t Chernovetsky request you to include hidden chambers or secret compartments in the design?
He didn’t even mention it.
Boris Nazarovych, where exactly was the safe made? And who created its drawings?
In Kyiv, at the then "Bolshevik" factory, they took on this task. It was a special order! I made the drawings.
Do you remember the technical specifications?
The safe is approximately… 60 by 60 centimeters, about a meter tall.
What is the thickness of the metal?
About one and a half centimeters. The safe turned out to be heavy. Six men barely managed to carry it into the vestibule.
Well, what kind of lock was on this steel box?
You can’t just open the safe! It has a special lock. Its design was invented at "Bolshevik."
8 Did the factory designers know that the safe would "go" to Chernovetsky's country house?
They absolutely knew nothing about the client. Ultimately, the question is not about deciphering the secret of the key but finding the place where the safe is hidden and getting there.
How many keys did you make?
Two.
Do you guarantee that "bear hunters" won't figure out how to crack such a safe?
No. And once again – no! Unless, of course, they use explosives to deal with it.
I'm curious, how did the former "bear hunter" assess the lock in this safe?
Very highly. He said it was first-class work.
And would he be able to handle such a lock if given the chance?
I didn’t ask him about that.