Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to overhaul state-owned energy companies, following a major corruption scandal that has embroiled the country’s energy sector.
Around $100 million (£76m) has reportedly been embezzled, according to anti-corruption investigators, causing significant outrage in a nation already grappling with crippling power outages resulting from Russian attacks.
In a post on X, Zelensky stated, Alongside a full audit of their financial activities, the management of these companies is to be renewed.” Furthermore, he announced that Energoatom, the state nuclear company at the center of the controversy, would have a new supervisory board in place within a week.
The scandal has implicated several individuals close to Zelensky, with particular attention on Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov, as well as businessman Timur Mindich, a co-owner of Zelensky's former television studio, Kvartal95.
Zelensky emphasized the need for continuous communication with law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies, reiterating that full transparency and integrity within the energy sector are paramount.
The ongoing investigation has also led to the resignation of two ministers. As the situation unfolds, Zelensky’s commitment to tackling corruption is being scrutinized, especially following a prior backlash in July over his attempt to limit the independence of anti-corruption bodies.
The urgency for reform is underscored by escalating Russian assaults on energy facilities, straining an already vulnerable energy infrastructure and raising serious concerns about corruption amidst the unfolding crisis.
