Briefing Summary: Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Breakthrough
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Overview
On November 17, Our community held a timely video briefing with Daria Kaleniuk, Executive Director of Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Action Center (ANTAC), to discuss the unfolding corruption investigation involving Energoatom, Ukraine’s state nuclear operator. The conversation shed light on the scale of the scandal, the strength of Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions, and the political implications during wartime.
The event was moderated by Jed Sunden, who highlighted Kaleniuk’s decade-long leadership in Ukraine’s anti-corruption movement.
This briefing provided clarity on a fast-moving investigation that has significant implications for Ukraine’s stability, governance, and international support.
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Major Revelations From the Energoatom Case
Kaleniuk outlined the details of a large-scale bribery and money-laundering scheme uncovered by NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau) and SAPO (Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office). According to investigators:
The scheme involved systematic 10% kickbacks on Energoatom contracts.
The operation was allegedly organized by Timur Mindich, a longtime business partner of President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Two senior officials—the Minister of Energy and the Minister of Justice—resigned following public backlash.
Evidence shows the scheme diverted an estimated $100 million in state funds, undermining critical energy infrastructure during periods of heavy Russian missile attacks.
Kaleniuk emphasized that Ukrainians see wartime corruption as “equivalent to state betrayal,” especially when it directly undermines civilian protection and national resilience.
Anti-Corruption Institutions Prove Their Strength
Despite the gravity of the scandal, Kaleniuk emphasized that the case demonstrates Ukraine’s democratic resilience. The investigation was made possible by the continued work of independent anti-corruption bodies—NABU, SAPO, and the High Anti-Corruption Court—many of which were built with US and EU support after 2014.
“These institutions function as Ukraine’s immune system.
They identify the virus of corruption and attack it.
It’s far worse when the corruption exists silently and no one has the tools to fight it.”
She credited Ukrainian civil society for defending the independence of these bodies earlier this year, when mass protests forced the government to abandon legislation that would have weakened them.
Political Responsibility at the Highest Level
Kaleniuk stressed that the scandal reaches into President Zelensky’s inner circle, and that wartime concentration of authority increases both responsibility and risks.
“He has absolute power, but he also has absolute responsibility.”
”Having absolute power corrupts.”
While acknowledging that Zelensky eventually demanded ministerial resignations, Kaleniuk described his response as slow and insufficient. She warned that Ukrainians cannot wait “five or ten years” for court verdicts—political accountability and structural reforms must occur now to restore trust.
How Americans Should Understand and Communicate This Moment
Kaleniuk offered guidance for US policymakers, advocates, and supporters:
The exposure of corruption is evidence of a functioning democracy, not a collapsing one.
Ukraine ≠ Zelensky. Zelensky ≠ Ukraine. Support is for the Ukrainian people and their institutions.
Ukrainians overwhelmingly reject corruption and are actively demanding accountability.
The funds stolen in this case were Ukrainian taxpayer funds, not US aid.
Continued US and EU pressure for rule-of-law reforms remains essential.
This framing helps ensure accurate public understanding and counters narratives that misrepresent Ukraine’s reform progress.
Looking Ahead
The briefing underscored both the seriousness of the Energoatom affair and the strength of Ukraine’s institutional response. Even under martial law and active war, Ukraine continues to pursue accountability, defend democratic processes, and expose wrongdoing at the highest levels of power.
The American Ukraine Committee will continue facilitating conversations with leading Ukrainian experts and preparing targeted follow-ups for Congressional staff, media, and policymakers.
As Ukraine continues its fight for democracy, transparency, and survival, your engagement matters.
Stay connected. Stand with Ukraine.
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