President Volodymyr Zelensky announced an urgent overhaul of state energy companies after investigators said about $100 million was embezzled from the sector. He demanded a new supervisory board at Energoatom within a week, ordered full financial audits and management renewals, and pushed for rapid appointments at Ukrhydroenergo and Naftogaz. Two ministers resigned and a former business partner was sanctioned as probes continue; European allies have urged stronger anti-corruption steps.
Zelensky Orders Rapid Overhaul of State Energy Firms After $100M Corruption Scandal
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced an urgent overhaul of state energy companies after investigators said about $100 million was embezzled from the sector. He demanded a new supervisory board at Energoatom within a week, ordered full financial audits and management renewals, and pushed for rapid appointments at Ukrhydroenergo and Naftogaz. Two ministers resigned and a former business partner was sanctioned as probes continue; European allies have urged stronger anti-corruption steps.
12:00 AM, 11/16/2025Politics
Zelensky Orders Overhaul of State Energy Companies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a sweeping restructuring of state-owned energy companies after an anti-corruption probe revealed that roughly $100 million was siphoned from the sector. The scandal — coming as Russia's attacks have already strained Ukraine's power infrastructure — provoked strong public outrage and prompted immediate government action.
Zelensky has ordered the resignation of two ministers tied to the scheme and imposed sanctions on a former business associate identified by investigators as the alleged ringleader. He also pledged full cooperation with anti-corruption authorities and directed tighter coordination between government officials and law enforcement.
'We are beginning the overhaul of key state-owned enterprises in the energy sector,' Zelensky wrote on X, calling for transparency and rigorous audits.
Key measures announced include:
- Installation of a new supervisory board at Energoatom — the state nuclear operator at the centre of the probe — to be appointed 'within a week' to enable a complete management overhaul.
- A full financial audit of state energy firms and replacement of management teams where necessary.
- The rapid appointment of a new head for hydropower generator Ukrhydroenergo, and reforms at oil and gas group Naftogaz and the main gas operator.
The revelations have also prompted some of Ukraine's European partners to press Kyiv to intensify its anti-corruption efforts. Zelensky stressed that restoring trust, transparency and integrity in the energy sector is an immediate priority while the country continues to cope with the challenges posed by the war.