Ukraine's FM assures partners all involved in corruption schemes will be held accountable
Photo: Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiga (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha assured his European colleagues that all individuals involved in corruption schemes in Ukraine will be held accountable, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Sybiha met with counterparts from France - Jean-Noël Barrot, Germany - Johann Wadephul, Italy - Antonio Tajani, and the EU - Kaja Kallas.
The minister briefed partners on the situation on the battlefield, Ukraine's peace efforts, and the fight against corruption.
"I confirmed that everyone involved in corruption schemes will be held accountable - this is the firm position of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and our government," Sybiha noted.
He also thanked European allies for their ongoing support and measures aimed at increasing pressure on Russia. During the meeting, they discussed the EU’s 20th sanctions package and efforts to fully utilize frozen Russian assets.
The talks also focused on strengthening Ukraine's air defense and energy resilience ahead of winter, particularly through the PURL and SAFE mechanisms.
"I thank our allies who are preparing new packages of military aid and energy support. I also invited my colleagues to visit Ukraine," the minister added.
Corruption scheme in the energy sector
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) uncovered a criminal organization operating in the energy sector.
Top Ukrainian officials were involved in the scheme. Notably, Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko appeared on recordings released by NABU.
As part of the scheme, the organization's members demanded bribes from Energoatom contractors. They also set up an office to launder the illegally obtained funds.
Law enforcement determined that around $100 million was processed through this laundering operation. Some of the money could have been collected by former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for National Unity Oleksii Chernyshov.
The organization's operations were reportedly coordinated by businessman Tymur Mindich, who left Ukraine a few days ago. According to the State Border Guard Service, his departure was legal.
Preventive measures have already been imposed by the court on four individuals involved in the case.
The corruption scandal has also led to personnel changes, with Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk submitting their resignations.
