VMRO-DPMNE issued a sharp statement accusing former SDSM leaders Zoran Zaev and Venko Filipche of pursuing "anti-state policies" in favour of foreign business interests. At the centre of the accusation is Russian oligarch Alexander Onishchenko.

According to VMRO-DPMNE's claims, Onishchenko — a member of a pro-Russian party, sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for money laundering and corruption, and at the time wanted by Ukraine's Interpol — received Macedonian citizenship. The stated motive was that he would invest in the national equestrian sports team.

"No normal state would agree to that," said VMRO-DPMNE spokesperson Mile Lefkov, adding that "Russian influence in Macedonia entered only through SDSM." Under public pressure, the citizenship was subsequently revoked.

VMRO-DPMNE claims that the SDSM administration enabled Russian oligarchs to conduct business activities in Europe through Macedonian institutions, qualifying this as "anti-state conduct." The party added that since taking power, such practices have ceased.

SDSM has not yet responded to the accusations. The Onishchenko case has again become relevant in the context of the broader geopolitical moment and ongoing debates about Russian influence in the region.