Volodymyr Zelensky announced reform of state-owned energy companies as part of his efforts provides a response to the corruption scandal engulfing the sector hit by Russia’s attack. “We are starting the reform of important state companies in the energy sector – wrote the Ukrainian president in X – along with a complete audit of their financial activities, the management of these companies will be updated.”
According to the anti-corruption investigative agency leading the so-called Operation Midas, about $100 million was stolen from the energy sector. In recent days, Zelensky forced Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk and Justice Minister German Galushchenko to resign. And he imposed sanctions on businessman Timur Mindich, his close friend and former colleague, considered the director of the bribery network, who has fled the country.
Among the measures announced by Zelensky, was the creation of a new supervisory board at Energoatom, the state nuclear company at the center of the scandal, which “within a week” should be able to “completely reform the company’s management.”
Ukraine’s president also called for the swift appointment of a new head of hydropower company Ukrhydroenergo and other reforms for oil and gas giant Naftogaz.
Finally, Zelensky reiterated his and the government’s commitment to fully cooperating with the anti-corruption investigation. “I have instructed government officials to maintain constant and meaningful contact with law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies,” he said. “Full transparency and integrity of the energy sector remains an absolute priority.”
