Zelensky calls for energy sector reform amid corruption scandal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has launched a major shake-up of his country’s energy sector amid a corruption scandal.
During a meeting with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, Zelensky proposed sweeping changes across energy regulators, including the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate and the State Energy Supervision Inspectorate, to root out corrupt influence and regain public trust.
He also called for a full audit of state-owned energy firms and an immediate renewal of their management. Among the companies named are Energoatom, Ukrhydroenergo, Naftogaz, and Ukraine’s gas transmission system operator.
Zelenskyy also said he wants a new head of the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) selected by the end of the year.
He called for auditing and divesting assets linked to Russian entities, suggesting they should be repurposed to serve Ukraine’s budget and defense initiatives.
The scandal centers on Timur Mindich, a former business partner of Zelenskyy, who anti-corruption investigators said orchestrated a $100 million embezzlement scheme.
Mindich allegedly requested kickbacks of up to 15% from contractors working with Ukraine’s nuclear company, Energoatom.
Tagged: Partner BACK TO HOMEPAGE