Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a comprehensive overhaul of the country's state-owned energy companies, following a significant corruption scandal that has led to the alleged embezzlement of approximately $100 million (£76m). This corruption has ignited widespread outrage in Ukraine, particularly as the nation grapples with severe power outages caused by ongoing Russian attacks on critical energy infrastructure.

In response to the scandal, President Zelensky stated on X that a full audit of the financial activities of these companies would be conducted, alongside a complete renewal of their management. He specifically mentioned that Energoatom, the state nuclear company embroiled in the controversy, would receive a new supervisory board within a week. The unfolding scandal has revealed that several individuals implicated hold close ties to the Ukrainian president, further intensifying public scrutiny.

Zelensky has also instructed government officials to maintain consistent and meaningful communication with law enforcement and anti-corruption bodies. He emphasized the urgent need for a new head for Ukrhydroenergo, a hydropower generating company, and called for significant reforms within the oil and gas giant Naftogaz and the nation's Gas Transmission System Operator.

The anti-corruption investigation, conducted over 15 months by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (Nabu) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (Sap), has implicated several members of the Ukrainian government. Among those alleged to be involved are Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko, former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov, and Timur Mindich, a businessman and co-owner of Zelensky's former TV studio, Kvartal95. The scandal has already led to the resignation of two ministers and the sanctioning of a former business partner of Zelensky earlier this week.

While President Zelensky has consistently reiterated his commitment to fully cooperate with anti-corruption efforts, stating that "full transparency and integrity in the energy sector remain an absolute priority," this latest scandal has once again brought his anti-corruption credentials under scrutiny. In July, he faced backlash for signing a law that temporarily limited the independence of Nabu and Sap, a decision that was later reversed but drew criticism from European allies, including France and Germany, and prompted G7 ambassadors to express a desire for discussions with Ukrainian leadership. The scandal continues to unfold amidst escalating Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy and residential sites, compounding the challenges faced by the nation.