Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pledged a comprehensive restructuring of the country's state-owned energy enterprises, responding to public fury over a massive corruption scheme that has rocked a sector already crippled by relentless Russian attacks.
A Sector Under Fire
The announcement comes after anti-corruption investigators revealed that approximately $100 million had been embezzled from the energy sector. This revelation has caused widespread outrage among Ukrainians, who have endured devastating power outages and infrastructure damage due to targeted Russian assaults on their energy grid.
In a decisive move, President Zelensky forced the resignation of two ministers connected to the scandal. He also imposed sanctions on a former business partner identified by authorities as the mastermind behind the elaborate corruption scheme.
Sweeping Reforms Announced
Outlining his plan on the social media platform X, Zelensky stated, "We are beginning the overhaul of key state-owned enterprises in the energy sector." He confirmed that the government would conduct a full audit of their financial activities and completely renew the management teams of these critical companies.
The state nuclear company, Energoatom, which is at the centre of the scandal, will see one of the most immediate changes. Zelensky demanded that a new supervisory board be established "within a week" to facilitate a complete management overhaul.
The reforms extend across other major energy players. The President called for the swift appointment of a new head for the hydropower generating company Ukrhydroenergo. He also indicated that similar restructuring is planned for the oil and gas giant Naftogaz and the country's main gas transmission system operator.
Commitment to Transparency and International Pressure
Zelensky reiterated his government's commitment to full cooperation with the ongoing anti-corruption investigation. "I have also instructed government officials to maintain constant and meaningful communication with law enforcement and anti-corruption bodies," he said in a statement. "The full transparency and integrity in the energy sector remain an absolute priority."
The scandal has not only provoked domestic anger but has also prompted some of Ukraine's key European allies to urge Zelensky's administration to intensify its efforts in the fight against corruption. This international pressure underscores the importance of stable and transparent governance as Ukraine continues to defend itself militarily and seek further international support.
