Aides Urge Zelensky Not to Seek Second Term as Corruption Probe Deepens, Politico Reports
A high-profile energy-sector investigation has shaken Kyiv’s leadership, accelerating doubts about the president’s political future.
Overview
- Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office launched Operation Midas targeting an alleged large scheme in the energy sector.
- Investigators filed charges against seven suspects, naming businessman Timur Mindich and former vice-premier Alexey Chernyshov among the accused.
- NABU released photos from raids showing bags filled with foreign currency seized during searches, while the agency has not disclosed the total amount.
- Media report that Mindich left Ukraine hours before the searches and is currently in Israel, as Zelensky last week imposed sanctions on him and financier Alexander Tsukerman.
- Politico published analysis by Adrian Karatnycky describing Zelensky as a lame duck, citing anonymous aides urging him to skip a second-term bid and noting developing reports that presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak may be implicated.