EU leaders urge Ukraine to intensify anti-corruption reforms after a major energy scandal, even as financial and military support continues amid Russia’s invasion.
EU Urges Stronger Anti-Corruption Reforms After Major Ukrainian Energy Scandal
Pressure Mounts Amid High-Level Graft Allegations
European Union leaders renewed calls Thursday for Ukraine to intensify its fight against corruption after a sweeping energy-sector scandal raised concerns about Kyiv’s reform efforts during wartime. The investigation, which centres on alleged embezzlement and kickback schemes at Energoatom, Ukraine’s state-owned nuclear power company, has triggered one of the country’s most significant political crises since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz pressed the issue directly in a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stressing that Ukraine must demonstrate credible progress on graft reforms to maintain the confidence of European partners and financial donors.
EU Signals Support but Demands Accountability
Despite the growing scandal, EU officials reassured Kyiv that financial and humanitarian aid will continue, acknowledging the extreme strain Ukraine faces as Russia intensifies attacks on energy infrastructure.
A spokesperson for the European Commission said the investigation itself shows Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies are functioning, calling it a positive sign as the country works to meet EU membership standards.
“Continuous efforts and strong rule-of-law frameworks are essential for EU accession,” the spokesperson noted.
Ministerial Resignations Deepen Crisis
The fallout has already forced Ukraine’s justice and energy ministers to resign, while the government dismissed Energoatom’s vice president and key department heads following the launch of a 15-month probe. Investigators uncovered evidence of a kickback scheme allegedly worth more than $100 million USD, based on wiretaps and surveillance conducted by anti-corruption watchdogs.
Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko condemned the misconduct, calling any form of corruption during wartime “unacceptable” as Ukraine battles widespread power outages caused by Russian strikes. She framed the government’s response as a matter of “honor and dignity.”
Key Ally of Zelenskyy Named as Suspected Mastermind
Investigators have identified Tymur Mindich, a co-owner of Zelenskyy’s former media company Kvartal 95, as the alleged architect of the scheme. His current whereabouts remain unknown.
The development has raised sensitive questions about how much senior government officials knew, and whether previous attempts to limit the independence of anti-corruption agencies were connected.
Ukraine’s anti-corruption watchdogs — the same bodies Zelenskyy sought to scale back last year before reversing course — presented evidence in court this week as the inquiry expands.
EU Announces Fresh Financial Support
In Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the disbursement of a $7-billion USD loan to Ukraine and pledged to secure additional funding for the next two years. The EU is exploring options including seizing frozen Russian assets and raising capital through financial markets.
Von der Leyen argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin is betting on outlasting Western resolve. “This is a miscalculation,” she said, urging member states to accelerate support.
Ukrainian Troops Advance and Deploy New Missile
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military reported battlefield developments on Thursday.
General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the country’s top commander, visited forces defending Pokrovsk in the embattled Donetsk region, coordinating efforts to secure supply routes and prevent encirclement by Russian units.
Ukraine also confirmed the use of its newly developed FP-5 ‘Flamingo’ cruise missile, capable of reaching targets 3,000 kilometres away with high precision. According to military officials, the missile was used in strikes on Russian-occupied Crimea and sites in the Zaporizhzhia region, hitting oil facilities, helicopter bases, drone storage sites, and command centres.
