Tuesday, 18 November 2025
Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities have uncovered a large-scale kickback scheme linked to state energy contracts, prompting ministerial dismissals, public criticism and renewed scrutiny of the country’s governance standards during wartime. While no charges have been brought against President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the investigation has reached senior current and former officials as well as individuals close to his administration.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) allege that executives and officials connected to Energoatom, the state nuclear energy operator, solicited kickbacks worth an estimated USD 100 million from suppliers. The contracts under investigation relate to the protection, servicing and repair of critical energy infrastructure targeted by Russian strikes.
Raids carried out in October and November led to the seizure of significant amounts of cash found in properties belonging to several suspects. The searches also extended to associates of the political leadership, intensifying public pressure on the government to demonstrate that anti-corruption institutions can act independently, even at the highest levels.
The fallout has already resulted in personnel changes. Former energy minister Herman Galushchenko — now serving as justice minister — was dismissed following the opening of proceedings, and Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk has also been removed from her post. Both deny wrongdoing and have pledged to cooperate.
The scandal has generated strong public reaction within Ukraine, where the wartime environment has heightened expectations of accountability. Civil-society groups, veterans’ organisations and opposition figures have called for full transparency as the investigation continues.
International partners are also watching closely. The European Commission and several EU member states have reiterated that robust anti-corruption enforcement remains a core condition for Ukraine’s EU accession progress and for maintaining long-term financial and military support.
Zelenskyy has publicly endorsed the work of the anti-corruption authorities, stressing that graft in wartime is “unacceptable” and that investigations must proceed “without exception.” The case remains ongoing, with further charges expected as prosecutors review evidence gathered during the raids.
Source: Reuters, The Times, The Guardian and CIJ EUROPE Analysis Team
