Ukrainian Officials Resign Amid $100 Million Corruption Scandal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his dismay following the resignation of two senior officials amid a significant corruption scandal involving the state-owned nuclear power company Energoatom. The scandal is linked to an alleged kickback scheme amounting to $100 million, prompting immediate action from the government.

On November 12, 2025, Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk submitted their resignations, a move confirmed by Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko through a post on social media platform X. In addition, the government has suspended a number of senior officials at Energoatom as part of an ongoing investigation.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) have been conducting a 15-month investigation, codenamed “Midas,” which uncovered a “large-scale corruption scheme” involving strategic state-owned enterprises. According to NABU, this criminal organization systematically extracted illicit payments from Energoatom’s contractors, demanding kickbacks of 10% to 15% of the contract value to maintain their supplier status and avoid payment blockages.

The investigation revealed that the organization operated from a Kyiv-based office connected to the family of former Ukrainian lawmaker and current Russian senator Andrii Derkach. This office allegedly facilitated the laundering of approximately $100 million through non-resident companies, maintaining “black accounting” records.

As the corruption scandal unfolds, five individuals have been detained, with an additional seven under suspicion, including a former advisor to the Minister of Energy. The implications of this scandal extend beyond the internal dynamics of the Ukrainian government, with potential repercussions for international support amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandr Merezhko, a member of Zelenskyy’s party, articulated concerns regarding the scandal’s impact, stating, “Internally this scandal will be used to undermine unity and stability within the country.” He further noted that it could adversely affect Ukraine’s relationships with European and American partners, especially during a time when the nation is facing heightened attacks on its energy infrastructure.

In light of these developments, President Zelenskyy has publicly supported the investigations being conducted by Ukrainian law enforcement and anti-corruption officials. He emphasized the severity of the situation in a post on X, stating, “It is absolutely unacceptable that, amid all this, there are also some schemes in the energy sector.” Zelenskyy plans to sign a decree imposing sanctions on two individuals implicated in the Energoatom case.

This situation arises during a critical period for Ukraine, as the country grapples with power outages due to Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy underscored the challenges faced by Ukrainians, saying, “Right now it is extremely difficult for everyone in Ukraine – enduring power outages, Russian strikes, and losses.”

In conclusion, the fallout from this corruption scandal poses significant challenges for Ukraine’s leadership and its efforts to maintain unity and secure international support in the ongoing war. The government’s swift action in response to the allegations reflects a commitment to accountability, but the broader implications of this scandal will continue to resonate as Ukraine navigates its turbulent circumstances.