Overview
- President Volodymyr Zelensky directed rapid audits and leadership changes at state energy firms, calling for a new Energoatom supervisory board within a week and fresh appointments at Naftogaz and Ukrhydroenergo.
- He pressed for reforms at oversight bodies including the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate and the State Energy Supervision Inspectorate, and urged selection of a new head of the Asset Recovery and Management Agency by year’s end.
- Operation Midas by NABU and SAPO alleges a 10–15% kickback system tied to Energoatom contractors with roughly $100 million laundered, naming seven suspects and reporting several detentions.
- Investigators and media identify businessman Tymur Mindich as a central figure; he left the country before raids and is reported to be abroad, while Zelensky has imposed sanctions on Mindich and Oleksandr Tsukerman.
- France’s foreign minister warned EU backing requires an uncompromising stance on corruption, and an Atlantic Council expert said military aid is likely to continue even as economic support faces tighter controls and possible delays.