Kyiv,Ukraine – A sweeping corruption scandal involving enerhoatom,Ukraine’s state nuclear operator,has triggered the resignations of Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk and justice Minister Herman Halushchenko,and prompted President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to warn of “inevitability of punishment.” The fallout comes as investigators uncover a bribery scheme allegedly siphoning off 10 to 15 percent of Enerhoatom contract values-approximately $100 million (over 2.1 billion Czech crowns)-through a “back office” in Kyiv.
The scandal threatens to complicate continued international support for Ukraine as it defends against Russian invasion. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated the corruption allegations make maintaining aid to Ukraine more tough. Five individuals have been detained and seven charged in connection with the scheme, which investigators say involved collecting bribes from Enerhoatom suppliers. Businessman Tymur Mindič, a close associate of President Zelenskyy, is among those implicated. Zelenskyy, who previously called for the ministers’ resignations, emphasized the importance of accountability to maintain state integrity during wartime.
Ukrainian authorities have moved to freeze the assets of those suspected in the megascandal. The inquiry, conducted jointly by the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, is ongoing.
