In a significant move to combat corruption, Ukraine is initiating a thorough audit of all state-owned enterprises, as announced by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko on Thursday. This decision comes in the wake of an investigation into alleged corrupt practices associated with Energoatom, a key state-owned energy firm.
Comprehensive audits and oversight in focus
Svyrydenko stated that Kyiv is preparing a “comprehensive decision regarding all state-owned enterprises, including those in the energy sector.” She emphasized the urgent need for accountability, saying, “Audits are under way, and supervisory boards have been instructed to review operations, especially procurement practices.” The Prime Minister highlighted the moral imperative of tackling corruption, declaring, “Eradicating corruption is a matter of honour and dignity. We bear responsibility before our defenders.”
High-profile sanctions and ongoing investigations
Earlier that day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree imposing sanctions on businessmen Timur Mindich and Oleksandr Tsukerman, both implicated in the ongoing corruption investigation. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has charged eight individuals with serious offenses, including bribery, abuse of office, and illicit enrichment. NABU also released recordings in which suspects, using codenames and coded language, appeared to discuss kickbacks and bribes.
Mindich, who is reportedly Zelenskyy’s former business partner, is believed to be the alleged mastermind behind the corruption scheme. The sanctions against Mindich and Tsukerman, both Israeli citizens, will remain in effect for three years.
As the investigation unfolds, significant political ramifications are being felt. On Wednesday, Ukraine’s Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk tendered their resignations amid the corruption probe.
The European Commission has voiced support for Ukraine’s anti-corruption efforts, noting that the ongoing investigations demonstrate the effectiveness of the country’s anti-graft institutions. A spokesperson from Brussels highlighted, “I think it’s really important to underline that these investigations which are taking place in Ukraine show that the anti-corruption (measures) work, and institutions are there to precisely fight against it.”
Furthermore, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos emphasized the necessity of a robust reform agenda and steadfast anti-corruption measures, particularly as Ukraine moves closer to EU accession. During the EU-Ukraine Investment Conference in Warsaw, she stated, “With Ukraine, we are working hard to build the trust to progress decisively & prepare for a successful reconstruction.”
In a related development, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, after a conversation with Zelenskyy, reiterated his expectations for Ukraine to advance its anti-corruption initiatives and reforms.