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Ukraine Rocked by Major Wartime Corruption Scandal Involving Energy Sector and Top Officials
Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukraine is currently grappling with one of the most significant wartime corruption scandals since Russia’s full-scale invasion three years ago. The unfolding investigation centers on an alleged widespread corruption scheme within the country’s critical energy sector, leading to raids on the homes of high-ranking officials and a former business associate of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
On Monday, Ukraine’s primary anti-corruption agencies announced the discovery of a “high-level” scheme, detailing alleged corruption within Energoatom, the state nuclear energy company. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) stated it possesses evidence that the scheme involved kickbacks totaling $100 million from contractors responsible for building defenses for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. This revelation is expected to ignite considerable public outrage, particularly as it directly impacts efforts to safeguard the nation’s power systems against relentless Russian attacks.
Tetiana Nikolaenko, deputy head of Ukraine’s public anti-corruption council under the Ministry of Defense, shed light on the alleged scheme. “What will certainly be proven is the Energoatom scheme – contractors paid kickbacks to stay in tenders.
Those who refused were threatened with contract cancellations and even the mobilization of their employees,” Nikolaenko told ABC News. She further emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Even while Russian missiles were striking energy facilities these people saw fortifications only as a business opportunity for personal enrichment.”
While anti-corruption bodies may celebrate their success in uncovering the scheme, Nikolaenko warned that the NABU tapes are a significant blow to the executive branch, suggesting that “several ministers now appear to be mere puppets of criminal elements.” She added, “There is now enough evidence that the illegal cash was used to build luxury country houses – including for Mindich’s family and Deputy Prime Minister [Oleksii] Chernyshov. Chernyshov already faces three criminal charges and it seems clear he is once again trying to flee.”
In response to the scandal, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed on Wednesday that Justice Minister German Galushenko, who previously served as energy minister, was under investigation and had been removed from his position. Galushenko, in a statement posted to Facebook, expressed agreement with the decision, stating, “I believe that the suspension for the time of investigation is a civilized and correct scenario.
I will defend myself in the legal arena and prove my position.” Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk also submitted her resignation, with the Ukrainian Parliament scheduled to vote on her permanent dismissal on November 18.
Details of the Alleged Scheme Emerge
On Tuesday, NABU confirmed the detention of five individuals and identified seven “members of the organization of their status as suspects.” These individuals reportedly include “a businessman who is the head of the criminal organization,” a “former advisor to the minister of energy,” and a former deputy prime minister. Although the agencies initially withheld names, Ukrainian media identified one key figure as Tymur Mindich, a former business partner and close associate of President Zelenskyy.
Mindich, a wealthy businessman, co-owned Zelenskyy’s production company, Kvartal 95, until Zelenskyy transferred ownership upon his election to the presidency. He has previously faced allegations of leveraging his connections with the president, according to Ukrainian media. During an arraignment hearing for one of the suspects on Tuesday, prosecutors from the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutors’ Office reportedly named Mindich and six others in connection with the energy scheme.
NABU reported raiding Mindich’s home on Monday, but he had reportedly fled the country, sparking speculation of a possible tip-off. Ukrainian media also indicate that the FBI is now investigating Mindich, though ABC News has sought comment from the FBI. Ukraine’s Justice Ministry confirmed on Tuesday that Galushenko was also part of the investigation after NABU agents reportedly raided his residence.
While there are currently no allegations of President Zelenskyy’s knowledge or involvement in profiting from the scheme, he faces intense pressure to demonstrate decisive action and avoid any perception of protecting associates. Emerging details from arraignment hearings, including a reported text message from Mindich to Zelenskyy asking him to speak with Galushenko shortly before a call, suggest Mindich may have been attempting to exploit his connection with the president for personal gain.
These allegations against a former close associate are potentially embarrassing for the president and have prompted warnings from anti-corruption activists that Zelenskyy must ensure the investigation proceeds unhindered. This scandal surfaces at a critical time, as Ukraine grapples with severe Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, leading to widespread rolling blackouts. Zelenskyy has been actively seeking financial support from Western nations to restore and fortify the system.
The scandal also risks reigniting issues for Zelenskyy with former President Donald Trump, given that some influential right-wing allies have long accused the Ukrainian leader of corruption. The alleged involvement of senior government ministers could also significantly impact public morale amidst the ongoing war.
On Monday, President Zelenskyy expressed his support for the investigations and emphasized the need for convictions. “Everyone who has built corrupt schemes must face a clear procedural response,” Zelenskyy stated in his nightly video address.
“There must be convictions. And government officials must work together with NABU and law enforcement bodies – and do it in a way that delivers real results.”
Prominent Ukrainian anti-corruption activists, including veteran campaigner Daria Kaleniuk, have asserted that the president must now prove his commitment to holding his associates accountable. Kaleniuk warned that any fresh actions against the anti-corruption agencies, NABU and SAPO, would be “a clear sign that the president decided to cover up his friends instead of supporting justice and interests of the nation of Ukraine.”