Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Mindich Denies Role in Ukraine Energy Corruption Case in First Interview From Israel

The accused businessman says he was cast as a media scapegoat as authorities pursue a high-profile probe that has unsettled the country’s energy leadership.

Overview

  • In a video interview published by Ukrainska Pravda from Israel, Timur Mindich said most accusations against him are a media construct and declined to discuss the legal case while the investigation continues.
  • He acknowledged knowing Volodymyr Zelensky, Rustem Umerov, and Herman Galushchenko, said he rarely speaks with Zelensky, and asserted he gave no instructions to officials.
  • Mindich referenced a separate defense-procurement strand involving allegedly defective body armor and said a recorded conversation with then–defense minister Umerov was taken out of context.
  • NABU has charged seven people, including Mindich, in an energy-sector scheme, released photos of seized cash and audio with codenames, and conducted searches at officials’ locations and at Energoatom.
  • Ukrainian outlets report Mindich left the country before searches, the Verkhovna Rada later dismissed ministers named in the case, and a lawmaker said the SBU opened a treason investigation concerning him.