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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday announced sweeping reforms across the country’s state-owned energy companies after a major corruption scandal in the embattled sector fuelled public anger.
Anti-corruption officials recently revealed that approximately $100 million had been syphoned from the energy industry, triggering widespread outrage at a time when Russian strikes continue to inflict severe damage on Ukraine’s power infrastructure.
In response, Zelenskyy demanded the resignation of two government ministers linked to the affair and imposed sanctions on a former business associate identified as the alleged architect of the embezzlement scheme.
“We are beginning the overhaul of key state-owned enterprises in the energy sector,” Zelenskyy said on X, outlining steps that include a comprehensive audit of financial activity and a complete shake-up of senior management teams.
He instructed that a new supervisory board for Energoatom—the state nuclear operator at the centre of the scandal—be established within a week to pave the way for what he described as a “full reset” of its leadership.
The president also urged the swift appointment of a new chief for Ukrhydroenergo, the country’s hydropower producer, and called for further governance reforms at both Naftogaz, Ukraine’s major oil and gas conglomerate, and the main gas transmission operator.
Zelenskyy reiterated his administration’s commitment to working closely with investigators, stressing that officials must maintain open and constructive communication with law enforcement bodies and anti-graft agencies.
He said ensuring transparency and integrity within the energy sector “remains an absolute priority”.
The scandal has prompted several European partners to increase pressure on Kyiv, urging stronger measures to curb corruption as Ukraine continues to push for deeper integration with Western institutions.
