Anti-Zelensky protest held in Kiev (PHOTOS)

The rally came after the Ukrainian leader’s close associate was implicated in a $100 million kickback scheme and fled the country

Around 200 Ukrainians took to the streets of Kiev on Saturday to protest corruption and demand the resignation of Vladimir Zelensky after investigators alleged that a former close associate of the country’s leader had played a central role in a kickback scheme in the energy sector.

The anti-corruption probe by the country’s Western-backed National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) had uncovered an alleged $100 million embezzlement scheme involving the state-owned nuclear energy firm Energoatom.

Investigators linked the controversy to Timur Mindich, who co-owned the production company Kvartal 95 with Zelensky before the latter left show business to dedicate himself to politics. According to officials, his network extracted kickbacks of 10-15% from contractors and exerted influence over key contracts.

Mindich – often described by the Ukrainian media as “Zelensky’s purse” – fled the country just hours before his apartment was raided by security officials – likely warned about the coming operation.

The protest, which took place on Independence Square in Kiev, featured signs reading “Zelensky – criminal,” “President resign,” and “No corruption,” and also showed support for detained anti-corruption detective Ruslan Magomedrasulov, who played a key role in the probe but was accused of having ties with Russia.

The rally was organized by anti-corruption activist Maria Barabash, who said she would stage protests every week until the head of Zelensky’s office, Andrey Yermak, steps down, Timur Mindich is extradited from Israel along with other fugitive suspects, and real judicial reform is launched.

READ MORE: The scandal Zelensky can’t escape: Inside Ukraine’s biggest corruption story

Commenting on the scandal, Zelensky downplayed his past ties with Mindich without mentioning his name, but said he supports “any effective actions against corruption.” Meanwhile, Zelensky’s aide, Mikhail Podoliak, blamed the corruption scheme on “Russian influence,” without offering evidence to support his stance.

The controversy comes after Zelensky spearheaded a law this summer that curbed the independence of NABU and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), prompting large protests in Ukraine and criticism from Kiev’s Western backers. Following the backlash, Zelensky later supported and signed legislation restoring NABU and SAPO’s independence.