Ukraine Accuses Zelensky Ally Timur Mindich of $100M Energy Corruption

KIEV — Ukrainian authorities have formally accused Timur Mindich, a close ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky, of orchestrating a $100 million corruption scheme in the country’s energy sector, deepening a political and public scandal at a critical time.

The charges, announced on Nov. 12, 2025, come amid escalating tension over alleged embezzlement in Ukraine’s war-affected energy industry, which has faced repeated damage from Russian attacks since February 2022. Officials say the scheme involved laundering funds and exploiting Mindich’s personal connections with President Zelensky.

“Mindich exercised control over the accumulation, distribution, and legalization of money obtained through criminal means in Ukraine’s energy sector,” a prosecutor from the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) said. The prosecutor added that Mindich allegedly leveraged his friendship with Zelensky to facilitate illicit operations.

The investigation also implicated Justice Minister German Galushchenko, a former energy minister, accused of receiving personal benefits in exchange for managing money flows within the sector. Ukrainian authorities claim the scheme affected millions in public funds at a time when the nation struggles with widespread energy shortages due to ongoing Russian bombardment.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) revealed that five individuals were arrested and seven more charged following a 15-month probe. NABU officials noted that Mindich had left Ukraine shortly before authorities executed raids on key locations connected to the energy sector scandal.

Mindich co-owns Kvartal 95, a media production company founded by Zelensky before he entered politics. The case has intensified scrutiny on the president’s circle and sparked outrage among citizens already grappling with power shortages and infrastructure damage.

Ukraine’s EU aspirations hinge heavily on the eradication of systemic corruption. Earlier efforts by Zelensky to consolidate anti-corruption bodies under government control drew backlash from both the public and European institutions. The latest allegations against Mindich may further complicate Ukraine’s international credibility and domestic stability.

As investigations continue, Ukrainian authorities emphasize the importance of transparent prosecution to restore public trust and ensure accountability in the nation’s energy sector during wartime.