Ukrainian President Orders Audit of Defense Industry Amid Corruption Probe
KYIV: On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a thorough review of the country’s defense industry following the discovery of corruption within the energy sector during an ongoing investigation.
While the main focus of the probe was on the energy industry, it also revealed instances of fraud related to contracts aimed at protecting the electrical grid, which has been severely affected by ongoing Russian attacks.
Zelensky shared this news via social media, stating, “We are preparing a decision for a full review of state defense companies and their contracts. Any violations found will be reported to law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies.”
As part of the probe, two key suspects linked to a substantial $100 million kickback scheme, Timur Mindich and Oleksandr Tsukerman, have been placed on Ukraine’s wanted list, as noted by the interior ministry. Both individuals are currently believed to be in hiding.
Mindich is known to co-own Kvartal 95, a media production company that Zelensky founded before he entered politics. Reports suggest that the two have been friends for a long time.
Zelensky also mentioned that an overhaul of the supervisory boards for defense firms is already in progress, in addition to the ongoing scrutiny of the energy sector revealed last week.
The president emphasized that preparations are underway for meetings with international financial institutions as Ukraine seeks to secure much-needed funding amid increasing Russian pressure.
The investigation has uncovered around $100 million in embezzlement from the energy sector, sparking outrage in a nation already grappling with severe power outages due to Russian assaults.
In response to the corruption allegations, Zelensky dismissed two ministers connected to the scheme and initiated sanctions against Mindich and Tsukerman, identified as key figures in the scandal. The situation has led several of Ukraine’s European allies to call on Zelensky’s government to intensify its efforts against corruption.
