Corruption in Ukraine's energy sector: What it means for foreign support
Photo: Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine
The risk that a corruption scandal in the energy sector could affect international aid to Ukraine does exist. However, Ukrainians need to keep a cool head so as not to worsen the situation, stated Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine.
Impact on aid to Ukraine
"Such a risk does exist (a negative impact on aid due to the scandal - ed.). We need to think about this and avoid giving ourselves an additional reason that would make the enemy’s job easier. They have already predictably begun working through bot networks that are fueling even more negativity in society. There is also targeted work aimed at our partners, suggesting they cannot deal with Ukraine," Budanov said.
He noted that public frustration is a natural reaction, as people are without power, and against this backdrop, corruption in the energy sector was exposed.
"But we need to be careful not to escalate things to the point that it blocks our aid," Budanov warned.
Budanov's reaction to the scandal
Commenting on the scandal, the intelligence chief said that anti-corruption bodies "did their job."
"The President’s position (Volodymyr Zelenskyy's — ed.) is absolutely correct. He saw what happened and made the right decisions: the officials were immediately suspended. Then he ensured they were dismissed from their positions as quickly as possible," Budanov said.
He added that the final word must come from the court, since Ukraine is a rule-of-law state.
"My position is that those who committed corrupt acts, especially during wartime and in a socially vital sector, must be punished. There can be no excuses. They did this knowingly, and they must be knowingly held accountable," the general stressed.
Scheme in Energoatom
NABU detectives found a criminal organization operating in Ukraine, controlled by businessman Tymur Mindich.
The offenders demanded bribes from Energoatom's contractors and laundered the money they received.
Commenting on the scandal, the European Commission noted that Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies had done their job.
