Ukraine Faces Major Corruption Scandal, Leading to Ministerial Resignations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced today that he has imposed sanctions on businessman Tymur Mendytsch, a close associate, after allegations of his involvement in one of the largest corruption scandals in Ukraine in recent years.
A presidential decree issued today states that the sanctions target Mendytsch, 46, along with another businessman implicated in the case, freezing their assets as part of measures against all participants in the extensive corruption scandal within the energy sector.
The Ukrainian prosecutor's office clarified on Tuesday that Mendytsch orchestrated a scheme that resulted in the embezzlement of $100 million. These allegations are the latest in a series of significant corruption scandals involving large-scale misappropriations, coinciding with intensified Russian attacks on the country's electrical infrastructure.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) confirmed that Mendytsch had "managed the accumulation, distribution, and legalization of funds obtained through illegal means in the energy sector."
It is noteworthy that Mendytsch left Ukraine prior to the scandal's emergence, and there are suspicions that he influenced decisions made by high-ranking government officials, including former Defense Minister Rustem Omerov, who currently serves as Secretary of the National Security Council.
* Resignation of Justice and Energy Ministers
In the wake of the scandal, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced on Wednesday the resignations of the Justice and Energy ministers, following Zelensky's statements indicating that "their continued service is no longer possible."
Svyrydenko stated on social media: "The ministers have submitted their resignations in accordance with the law."
The anti-corruption prosecutor's office has accused Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko of receiving "personal benefits" in a case involving $100 million in bribes within the energy sector, which he oversaw until July 2025. Conversely, Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk asserted that she has not violated any laws.
* Ongoing Fight Against Corruption and EU Membership Aspirations
The fight against endemic corruption in Ukraine remains a critical issue as the country seeks to join the European Union. Over the years, Zelensky has pledged to combat corruption at all levels, amid reports of high-level corruption suspicions, including questionable practices in military procurement.
This latest investigation comes as Ukraine faces devastating Russian strikes on its electrical infrastructure, increasing pressure on the government to address corruption and ensure transparency.
