Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a prominent Russian opposition figure and former oil tycoon, has raised concerns about alleged Russian connections within NATO's ranks.
Troubling Ties Between NATO and Kremlin
In a recent post on social media platform X, Khodorkovsky criticized the appointment of Rareș Mănescu as a campaign coordinator for Mircea Geoană, NATO's Deputy Secretary-General, according to Hotnews.
Mănescu is reportedly a business partner of a Russian propagandist who has visited Crimea multiple times since its illegal annexation in 2014.
Khodorkovsky’s comments come in light of a journalistic investigation conducted by Context.ro, which reveals troubling ties between NATO officials and individuals with direct connections to the Kremlin.
Should Have Been Disclosed
Khodorkovsky, who spent ten years imprisoned in Russia for opposing President Vladimir Putin, has emerged as a key voice against the Russian regime, particularly following the death of fellow opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
The investigation by The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project indicates that while Mănescu was working on Geoană's campaign, he registered a company with Alexei Kozlov, a Russian businessman known for promoting pro-Kremlin narratives.
Khodorkovsky asserts that this partnership should have been disclosed to NATO's internal security services.
Geoană, who has openly criticized Russia in recent years, has denied any wrongdoing and claimed that these allegations are part of a smear campaign orchestrated by foreign interests unhappy with his presidential candidacy.
He called the claims “completely unbelievable,” asserting that he has led NATO efforts against Russian aggression for the past five years.
