Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Two Ukrainian Ministers Resign as $100 Million Energoatom Probe Targets Zelenskyy Associate

Investigators outline a 15‑month scheme at the nuclear utility with arrests and extensive evidence as they seek the alleged ringleader who left the country.

Overview

  • Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Hryntchuk submitted resignation letters after Halushchenko was suspended and President Zelenskyy urged both to step down.
  • NABU and SAP say a network laundered roughly $100 million in bribes tied to protective works and influence over procurement and personnel at Energoatom, with seven suspects identified and five arrests.
  • Prosecutors name Tymur Mindich, a longtime associate of Zelenskyy and co-owner of Kvartal 95, as the central figure; authorities say he departed Ukraine, and sanctions against him and another suspect are planned.
  • Investigators publicized about 1,000 hours of recorded calls and images of seized cash under Operation Midas; Energoatom’s supervisory board was dismissed and a leadership reset was pledged.
  • A former Energoatom security chief made an initial court appearance and was remanded, while Western donors pressed for transparency; Germany reported no evidence its aid was misused and reports of possible U.S.-linked cash remain under review.