The EU has commented for the first time on the corruption scandal in Ukraine's energy sector.

As Hvylya reports, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told Reuters on Wednesday on the sidelines of a G7 foreign ministers' meeting in Canada.

According to her, the corruption scandal in Ukraine's energy sector is "extremely unfortunate" and requires a serious response from Ukrainian authorities.

"They are acting very decisively. There is no room for corruption, especially now. I mean, this is literally the people's money that should be going to the frontline," Kallas said.

She also expressed the view that it is very important for Ukrainian authorities to take the investigation findings seriously and respond quickly.

"I think it's very important that they really act very quickly and take this very seriously," she emphasized, referring to the investigation and holding those responsible accountable.

Meanwhile, Politico, citing unnamed sources in EU diplomatic circles, writes that Brussels fears the exposed corruption in Ukraine's energy sector will be exploited by opponents.

One source noted that the scandal is causing concern and is politically toxic.

In particular, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has already publicly written on his Facebook page that the EU should stop "sending European citizens' money to Ukraine" in connection with the energy corruption scandal.

"It's time to stop this madness, we need to stop sending European citizens' money to Ukraine!" he stated.

The minister assured that as long as Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party remains in power, "the Hungarian people can be certain that Hungarian people's money will not go to Ukraine."

Background

On November 10, NABU announced Operation Midas, exposing a "high-level criminal organization" involved in extortion at Energoatom. According to the investigation, contractors of the state company were offered to pay kickbacks of 10% to 15% for goods and services, with threats to block budget payments or terminate cooperation.

The scheme was orchestrated by businessman Timur Mindich, co-owner of Kvartal 95 and former partner of President Zelensky. The prosecution noted that Mindich exerted influence over former Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko and former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

Five people have already been detained in the case, and several have been notified of suspicion. Among those under investigation:

  • Timur Mindich - entrepreneur and co-founder of Kvartal 95;
  • Ihor Mironiuk - former advisor to the Energy Minister;
  • Dmytro Basov - former executive director of security at Energoatom;
  • Four "back office" staff involved in money laundering: Oleksandr Tsukerman, Ihor Fursenko, Lesya Ustymenko, Liudmyla Zorina.

The case also involves Herman Galushchenko (under the pseudonym "Professor") and former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov ("Che Guevara"), who have also been notified of suspicion.

Furthermore, Zelensky imposed sanctions against Mindich and Tsukerman.

It has also been reported that NABU will conduct searches at Ukraine's Ministry of Defense.