Zelensky on corruption in Ukraine's energy sector: There must be convictions

The head of state said this in his nightly video address, Ukrinform reports.

"Any effective action against corruption is greatly needed. The inevitability of punishment is essential," Zelensky said.

He stressed that Energoatom currently provides Ukraine with the largest share of power generation and that "integrity within the company is a priority" – both in the energy sector and in every other field.

"Everyone who has built corrupt schemes must face a clear procedural response. There must be convictions. And government officials must work together with NABU and law enforcement bodies – and do it in a way that delivers real results," Zelensky said.

Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) earlier announced that it was conducting a special operation to expose corruption in the energy sector.

According to the bureau, members of a criminal organization developed an extensive corruption scheme to exert influence over strategic state-owned enterprises, including Energoatom.

The group's main activity involved systematically collecting illegal payments from Energoatom's contractors, ranging from 10% to 15% of contract values.

A well-informed source in law enforcement agencies told Ukrinform that early on November 10, NABU carried out searches at the premises of businessman and Kvartal 95 co-owner Tymur Mindich, as well as Justice Minister German Galushchenko, who previously served as minister of energy.