Ukraine's anti-corruption bureau probes large-scale energy sector scheme • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Organized Crime Group: A structured group of individuals who engage in illegal activities for profit.
• NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine): Ukraine's independent anti-corruption agency.
• SAPO (Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office): The prosecutorial arm of Ukraine's anti-corruption system.
• Kickbacks: Payments made to someone who has facilitated a transaction or appointment, often illegally.
• Martial Law: A state of emergency declared by a government in response to a crisis, often suspending normal laws and civil liberties.
• EU Accession: The process by which a country joins the European Union.
• Good Governance: The process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented).
• Rule of Law: The principle that all people and institutions are subject to and accountable to law that is fairly applied and enforced.

NABU Investigation into Organized Crime and Corruption

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) suspects an organized crime group, allegedly led by businessman Timur Mindic, has been operating within Ukraine. Mindic is described as being very close to President Zelenskyy and a co-owner of "Kvartal 95," a show business company that Zelenskyy managed before his presidency. Mindic has reportedly fled Ukraine just hours before NABU searches of his headquarters and residence.

NABU's investigation has also implicated the former Minister of Energy, who is now the Minister of Justice, Halushinka, in this organized crime group. The group is alleged to have siphoned away at least $100 million, documented in 2025 contracts related to Ukrhydroenergo (Nerhhatam) for the repair of nuclear power plants and the electricity grid. This suggests a larger organized crime network covered up by high-level officials, extending beyond just state-owned corporation officials.

Impact on President Zelenskyy's Legitimacy and Public Trust

Daria Khaluku, Executive Director at the Anti-Corruption Action Center, argues that Timur Mindic's association with President Zelenskyy and his alleged flight from Ukraine create significant discomfort for the president. Khaluku emphasizes that Zelenskyy needs to uphold his pre-election promises to combat grand corruption, where a circle of friends would be allowed to enrich themselves at the country's expense.

Khaluku states, "Apparently it seems to me that his closest friend and business partner is doing exactly what Zilansky was running against." She believes it is insufficient for Zelenskyy to simply await court verdicts, which can take years. Instead, he must publicly acknowledge Mindic's flight and suspicion, cease covering for his friends, and be transparent to maintain the trust of the Ukrainian people.

Public Sentiment on Corruption and War Preparedness

Ukrainians are currently facing constant electricity disruptions due to Russian attacks on the grid. This situation, coupled with revelations from NABU, raises questions about the Ukrainian government's preparedness in constructing defense facilities for critical infrastructure, including transformers connecting nuclear power plants to the grid.

Khaluku explains that corruption was a significant reason for weak preparedness, as only companies paying 10-50% kickbacks to the organized group received contracts. This led to delays and poor quality defensive protection for critical electricity infrastructure. Such corruption during wartime is viewed by many Ukrainians as equivalent to state treason, and they expect straightforward solutions from the president.

State of Anti-Corruption Efforts Amidst War

Despite the ongoing large-scale invasion, anti-corruption agencies in Ukraine continue to operate. Khaluku notes that an attempt to dismantle the independence of these bodies earlier in the summer was met with public protests, forcing the president to reconsider. However, there are still observed attacks on individual NABU detectives, with one detective and his father allegedly imprisoned on fabricated charges.

Khaluku attributes some of these crackdowns to the absence of elections under martial law, which grants President Zelenskyy significant power without a robust checks and balances system. She stresses that the Ukrainian people are the source of power and demand accountability from the president regarding large-scale corruption within his inner circle.

Corruption's Impact on Morale and Resilience

Khaluku argues that investigations into corruption are beneficial, as silence would be worse. Corruption is likened to a "cancer" that erodes Ukraine's capacity for resilience. In the context of fighting Russian aggression, every aid dollar, euro, and taxpayer гривня must be spent effectively on defense and soldier support.

Corruption, by diverting funds and compromising infrastructure, negatively impacts Ukrainian morale. It sends a signal that self-enrichment is prioritized over national defense. Khaluku believes President Zelenskyy must immediately address alleged corruption within his inner circle, particularly in energy and defense sectors, rather than waiting for lengthy court proceedings.

EU Accession and Anti-Corruption Requirements

The European Union has highlighted the importance of anti-corruption bodies like NABU and SAPO in its accession reports. The EU has made it clear that attacks on these institutions are unacceptable. Khaluku emphasizes the need for these investigations to proceed to their conclusion in the courts without interference from the president or other agencies.

She points out that the easiest way for President Zelenskyy to interfere would be to suspend or dismiss the head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, Oleksandr Klymenko, who is overseeing these investigations. Khaluku notes that intelligence agencies are reportedly attempting to protect Zelenskyy's inner circle by monitoring NABU detectives, which undermines their investigative capabilities. She expects a clear and public reaction from the EU and partners like France if attacks and rollbacks on anti-corruption efforts continue.

Khaluku concludes by stating that the absolute majority of Ukrainian people do not tolerate large-scale corruption and desire EU accession, believing that strict adherence to good governance and the rule of law is crucial for Ukraine's resistance and resilience in its fight against Russia.

Conclusion

The summary highlights a significant corruption investigation in Ukraine involving an alleged organized crime group with ties to President Zelenskyy's inner circle. This investigation raises serious concerns about the president's commitment to fighting corruption, the impact on public trust, and Ukraine's preparedness for defense amidst the ongoing war. The EU's role in demanding strong anti-corruption reforms as a condition for accession is also emphasized, with a call for transparency and accountability from Ukrainian leadership.