A corruption crisis is intensifying in Ukraine after NABU conducted searches at Timur Mindich and Herman Halushchenko. Media reports focus on conversations between Mindich and the Minister of Justice, along with communications involving President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Prosecutors believe that this demonstrates the significant influence of the Kvartal 95 circle on the president, a development observers anticipated from the outset. The crisis has led to the suspension of senior officials and new discussions around the energy sector and state budget. NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office continue to investigate what they refer to as a criminal group in the energy sector.
Portnikov emphasizes that a state’s strength lies in the effective fight against corruption and the inevitability of punishment for officials. Public disclosure of details serves to strengthen the country and is an indicator of democratic development. The problem’s roots are deep: after Zelenskyy's election, a team was formed largely on personal trust and with managers from Kvartal 95, lacking political education or an ideological platform. The absence of qualified professionals resulted in weak institutional mechanisms.
The country’s political system was significantly altered after the 2019 snap parliamentary elections, as voters enabled a single-party majority. Parliament’s powers largely shifted to the President’s Office, weakening anti-corruption safeguards. Eurointegration reforms and the creation of NABU and SAP have been the only effective tools against corruption, and they were implemented under Western pressure.
Portnikov believes the main risk is not just high-profile cases, but the weakening of Ukraine’s negotiating position on the international stage, especially after the war. Effective anti-corruption efforts increase trust with Western partners, while scandals give ammunition to those reluctant to support Ukraine.
He suggests that stable parliamentary oversight and the inclusion of professional politicians in the government would help prevent such crises. Portnikov calls for unity, transparency, and informed leadership choices. Despite the challenges, Western aid to Ukraine will continue, but external scrutiny over public spending will intensify. The journalist insists that Ukrainian society needs a deeper understanding of government mechanisms to prevent similar scenarios in the future.
