Ukraine is going through one of the biggest government crises since the beginning of the Russian invasion, after bodies revealed a scheme of embezzlement of resources and bribes worth approximately US$100 million in the state energy sector.
The 15-month investigation, which included 1,000 hours of wiretapping, exposed a network that extorted between 10% and 15% in bribes on contracts from state nuclear company Energoatom.
The scandal led to the resignation of the Ministers of Justice and Energy, following a request from President Volodimir Zelenski.
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The case gained a political dimension when it involved Tymur Mindich, co-owner of Zelensky’s media production company and an influential figure in strategic sectors such as drone manufacturing. Recordings released by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) suggest that Mindich, using the code name “Karlsson”, participated in the scheme that also included discussions about deliberate delays in the construction of fortifications to protect energy facilities from Russian attacks, seeking more lucrative contracts.
The scandal comes at the worst possible time, as Russia intensifies attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, causing blackouts before winter, and the country depends on European funds for the sector. International partners, such as Germany, have expressed concern, as they have allocated many resources to the Ukrainian energy sector. European authorities stated that they will monitor the case closely and what consequences may be applied.
“Internally, this scandal will be used to undermine unity and stability within the country. Externally, our enemies will use it as an argument to stop aid to Ukraine,” said Oleksandr Merezhko, a lawmaker from Zelensky’s party. “It looks really bad in the eyes of our European and American partners. While the Russians destroy our power grid and people have to endure blackouts, someone at the top was stealing money during the war.” Source: Associated Press.
*Content translated with the help of Artificial Intelligence, reviewed and edited by the Broadcast editorial team, Grupo Estado’s real-time news system
