GolfStream secrets: a golf club or a base for the occupiers?

Elite resort near Kyiv at the centre of a scandal

GolfStream, an elite golf club located in the settlement of Havronshchyna near Kyiv, was long considered one of the main venues for hosting international tournaments. However, with the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, its role in Ukrainian history turned out to be far from sporting.

According to an investigation, the club's owner, Ukrainian banker Lev Goldberg, not only provided the facility to Russian troops but may have prepared the conditions for their accommodation in advance.

The occupation of the golf club

On 27 February 2022, just three days after the start of the war, Russian troops entered Kyiv Oblast. One of the units set up its headquarters on the GolfStream grounds. According to eyewitnesses, shortly before the invasion, Goldberg warned the club's staff about the impending events and demanded that they offer no resistance.

After the territory was liberated, it emerged that Russian army officers had used the guest houses as a headquarters, while military equipment was stationed on the lower floors. Some golfers managed to pass coordinates to Ukrainian artillery, which helped to drive the enemy out.

Notably, during the month-long occupation, the club suffered almost no damage, the staff were unharmed, and the enemy's equipment was not taken away as trophies. The only thing that interested the occupiers was the golf balls.

Why does GolfStream remain closed?

After de-occupation, the club has yet to resume operations. The official version is the danger of mines. However, sources report that the real reason may be linked to players' refusal to associate themselves with a place tainted by collaboration with the occupiers.

Ties with Russia and the FSB

The history of GolfStream is closely linked to Russian capital. The club's construction was partially financed by Artem Bank, which belonged to Goldberg. This bank was known for operations involving the laundering of Russian money and the sale of "bleached" banknotes, which, according to some reports, came from occupied Donbas.

In addition, Goldberg and his business partner Arkadiy Kozеровский had business relations with Russian structures, which casts doubt on their loyalty to Ukraine.

Diplomatic golf: a convenient tool for surveillance?

Before the war, the Diplomatic Golf for Good tournament was held annually at GolfStream, with diplomats from various countries participating. Political and economic issues were discussed in an informal setting.

The club's owner had access to these negotiations, as well as to recordings from surveillance cameras installed on the premises. It is not ruled out that information obtained during these meetings could have been passed to Russia.