Ukraine: more resignations over corruption scandal
Ukrainian Justice Minister German Galushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk have tendered their resignations following the corruption scandal in the country's energy sector. This comes after anti-corruption investigators announced they were investigating allegations of bribery in connection with construction work carried out to protect energy facilities. Commentators also see President Volodymyr Zelensky under pressure and support from the West wavering.
This is just the beginning
This scandal will lead to more explosive revelations, La Repubblica suspects:
“The investigation into a gang of corrupt individuals who embezzled international aid which was supposed to be used to protect power plants and energy infrastructure from Russian attacks is spreading like wildfire. ... Tymur Mindich, co-owner of the broadcasting company Studio Kvartal 95, which was founded by Zelensky and a close associate, is considered the mastermind behind the scandal: he fled when Nabu agents showed up at his door. ... But more dark clouds are gathering over the president's confidants: the name Rustem Umerov, secretary of the National Security and Defence Council headed by Zelensky and one of the main negotiators [on a ceasefire], has also come up in the course of the investigations.”
The West is watching closely
Zelensky has no choice but to demand an investigation even if it means his downfall, says The Spectator:
“Zelensky himself publicly supported the anticorruption crackdown, telling the nation in his nightly address that 'there must be sentences'. ... The go-to response for many Zelensky loyalists will be to write the allegations off as Kremlin smears. Indeed Zelensky's justification for his attempt to bring [the National Anti-Corruption Bureau] Nabu under his control back in July were vague and never substantiated allegations of Russian penetration of Nabu. But with the West watching closely, Zelensky has little choice but to endorse Nabu's takedown of his closest allies and business partners and deal with the consequences for his reputation and political career.”
New government asap!
This scandal is undermining Ukraine's EU accession process, warns Visão:
“Since 2022, with the start of the war and the acceleration of the EU accession process, a flood of money has been pouring into Ukraine. Unprecedented levels of vigilance are needed to ensure that none of the aid granted to the country is compromised. Unfortunately, this will be yet another issue that Putin can seize upon, even though he's the leader of one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Zelensky must act decisively and quickly at all levels. ... The allies need swift explanations if the freezing of all aid, if only temporary, is to be avoided. And Ukraine needs a new government.”
Kyiv needs Europe now more than ever
The EU's support for Ukraine must not waver despite this scandal, Der Standard argues:
“All this is, of course, grist to the mill for the Kremlin's friends, who are now once again calling for an end to EU accession talks with Ukraine and for the money tap to be turned off. Yet it's precisely now that the country's democratic structures need to be strengthened. Just like this past summer, when attempts were made to restrict the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office. Back then the move was prevented by street protests and pressure from Europe. However, such pressure can only be effective if we support Ukraine's EU accession ambitions in principle, rather than snubbing the long-suffering country at every opportunity.”
Civil society remains resilient
Die Welt is impressed by the resilience of civil society:
“Even the war did not deter it in the summer - Ukrainian citizens took to the streets en masse to preserve the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau. Zelensky was ultimately forced to bow to the pressure from his fellow citizens and the Europeans and restore the agency's independence. The fact that Ukrainians were not prepared to turn back the clock on reforms despite the war shows how resilient the country's civil society is, also politically. It also shows how important it is to Ukrainians to continue on their path towards Europe and European values.”
Suicidal treason
Espreso is outraged:
“This all looks like something between suicide and treason - especially when you consider that Russia's latest strikes targeted precisely the substations that supply electricity to Ukrainian nuclear power plants. One of them is the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant, which is at the epicentre of the corruption scandal. ... So when we ask: Where is the promised protection [of the energy infrastructure]? Then remember the sports bags full of euros and dollars that were clearly intended for something else - not for helping people to get through the winter with at least a minimum of comfort or for ensuring that our troops in Pokrovsk have a sufficient number of drones.”
President under pressure from all sides
These are not easy times for Volodymyr Zelensky, Corriere della Sera observes:
“The Russians are pushing forward on the battlefront, corruption scandals are weakening the home front, and the Trump administration seems ready to put obstacles in his path just when what he really needs is weapons and ammunition from his allies. ... Adding to the turmoil is the scandal involving several senior executives of national energy companies. This is a sensitive issue, especially now that Russian bombing has plunged the country into semi-darkness. ... The president, who in the past tried to boycott the work of the investigating authorities, is now welcoming the investigations and calling for a 'clean-up'.”
Not effective as a conspiracy
Radio Kommersant FM doesn't expect the scandal to bring Zelensky down:
“All this can be seen as a major conspiracy against Volodymyr Zelensky. Perhaps with the aim of putting pressure on him to soften his negotiating position or even force him to resign. ... What is striking is that Ukrainian politicians are not exactly rushing to rally around anyone else, even in this very difficult situation. But it's highly unlikely that Zelensky will vacate his post or change his stance. He has distanced himself from Mindich. And the latter has left the country, so it's unlikely that he will compromise his old friend in any way.”