Maria Kovalchuk, a Ukrainian OnlyFans model who was violently assaulted in Dubai, has publicly shared the details of her ordeal for the first time, naming the individuals allegedly responsible for the attack. In an emotional interview with Ksenia Sobchak, Kovalchuk revealed that she is still recovering after multiple surgeries and is currently using a wheelchair and crutches as she relearns how to walk.
The incident became public in March when Kovalchuk disappeared following a party at a hotel in the United Arab Emirates. She was later found abandoned by the roadside with multiple fractures to her limbs and spine. She underwent several surgeries and spent an extended period in a coma.
According to Kovalchuk, the events unfolded when she missed her flight to Thailand and checked out of her hotel. There, she ran into an acquaintance, Artem, who invited her to join him and several others—including Alexander, Milena, and Alexandra—at his hotel room.
Dubai Police Report: Well-Connected Names Appear
Dubai police reports confirm the presence of 19-year-old Artem Papazov, son of businessman Oleg Papazov, who owns trademarks related to the Cinnabon bakery chain. Also present were 19-year-old Alexandra Mertsalova, whose father owns a medical center in Moscow, and 16-year-old Milena D. from Kyiv, daughter of a businessman. Two more men were also mentioned: 21-year-old Maksim Krasheninnikov from Omsk and 28-year-old Alexander Laptinsky from Belarus. Kovalchuk said that Krasheninnikov left early and did not participate further.
'They Said I Belonged to Them'
According to Kovalchuk, Papazov and Laptinsky grew aggressive when she rejected their sexual advances and tried to leave. She claimed they declared that she “belonged to them” and began attacking her. The other girls present reportedly did nothing to stop the assault. In fact, Kovalchuk alleged that Mertsalova also struck her in the face.
“They were completely out of control,” Kovalchuk said, suggesting the men may have been under the influence of illegal substances.
She attempted to escape to a nearby construction site but was caught. Kovalchuk said she was beaten and then thrown from a height onto a road. She doesn’t remember the actual beating, possibly due to a blow to the head.
“At some point, my memory just cut out. The next thing I remember is begging a passing car for help. I was in a hotel robe,” she recalled.
Suspects Briefly Detained, Cameras 'Wiped'
Kovalchuk said that all camera footage from the hotel was erased and that the physical evidence is lacking. Papazov and Laptinsky were briefly held in custody but released after one day.
Mother Speaks of Deal with Dubai Officials
Kovalchuk’s medical treatment was covered by Dubai authorities. Her mother revealed that this was part of a confidential arrangement with officials, police, and a child welfare representative in the UAE.
“I don’t know how much money was involved, but it must have been millions,” her mother said. “In return, Maria was expected not to speak negatively.”
Maria Kovalchuk has undergone nine surgeries to date. While her condition has improved, she continues her recovery and is currently dependent on a wheelchair for mobility.
