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Ukraine’s ‘Midas’ Corruption Probe Fuels Political Standoff and Donor Scrutiny

Parliamentary blockades of ministerial dismissals expose a governance crisis that EU officials say reflects weak institutions.

Overview

  • Lawmakers from the opposition blocked the Verkhovna Rada rostrum, postponing votes to dismiss Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk after President Volodymyr Zelensky requested their removal.
  • NABU and the Specialized Anti‑Corruption Prosecutor’s Office detailed Operation Midas, alleging at least $100 million laundered through energy deals tied to Energoatom and naming businessman Timur Mindich, who has been charged and is reported to be in Israel.
  • Opposition leaders escalated calls for a political reset, with Yulia Tymoshenko urging a national unity government and other parties pressing for the cabinet’s resignation.
  • EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos said pervasive corruption and organized crime in candidate countries signal weak democratic institutions and breaches of the rule of law.
  • Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said some European capitals now doubt further funding for Kyiv and alleged, without presenting evidence, that a large share of past U.S. assistance was stolen in Ukraine.