Zelensky Sanctions Ex-Associate as $100 Million Energy Graft Probe Triggers Cabinet Shake-Up

Overview

• President Volodymyr Zelensky imposed personal asset-freeze sanctions on Timur Mindich, a onetime business partner accused by anti-corruption prosecutors of organizing a roughly $100 million scheme tied to the energy sector.
• Ukraine’s justice and energy ministers resigned at Zelensky’s request following the revelations, with prosecutors alleging former energy chief Herman Galushchenko received personal benefits linked to the scheme.
• Investigators from NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office say a 15‑month probe led to five arrests, cases against seven others, and evidence submitted to a Kyiv court.
• Energoatom, the state nuclear operator identified by investigators as central to the alleged bribery network, saw its vice president and the heads of finance, legal, and procurement dismissed, along with a presidential advisor to the company.
• European leaders pressed Kyiv to accelerate rule‑of‑law reforms after the disclosures, while stating that wartime financial support for Ukraine will continue.