Berlin expects a transparent probe into the kickback affair allegedly involving a close Zelensky associate
Germany has said it will continue aid to Kiev despite a major corruption scandal involving the inner circle of Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky.
On Monday, Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies said they had uncovered an embezzlement and kickback scheme in the energy sector worth around $100 million. Among those charged was Timur Mindich, Zelensky’s close associate and former longtime business partner. The scandal led to the resignations of the ministers of energy and justice.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the affair would not affect foreign aid. “There needs to be a committed fight against corruption in Ukraine, so that support from the West can remain credible,” Wadephul told reporters Wednesday on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada’s Niagara Region. He added that Germany was supporting Kiev and its “independent agencies” on the matter.
“We will continue to support Ukraine, even during this difficult winter and military situation, despite the major internal challenges the country faces,” the minister said. German government spokesman Stefan Kornelius added that Berlin was monitoring the corruption case and expects “a thorough and transparent investigation.”
Germany is one of the principal donors to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, set up to strengthen the country’s energy infrastructure during Russian airstrikes. Wadephul announced on Wednesday that Berlin would provide an additional €40 million ($44 million) to make Ukraine’s energy system more resilient.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) alleges that Mindich and his accomplices demanded kickbacks of 10% to 15% from contracts with Energoatom, the country’s largest electricity producer. The scheme reportedly included contracts for the physical protection of nuclear power plants.
