Zelensky Imposes Sanctions on Former Associate in $100-Million Energy Sector Corruption Scandal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued sanctions against a former business associate who is at the center of a major corruption scandal that has created significant turmoil in Kyiv during wartime conditions.

The sanctions were ordered on Thursday against Timur Mindich, a 46-year-old businessman identified by investigators as the central figure in an elaborate money-laundering scheme. According to authorities, this scheme diverted approximately $100 million from Ukraine's war-stressed energy sector.

This decisive action follows Zelensky's dismissal of both his energy and justice ministers just a day earlier, a direct response to the uncovering of this extensive financial fraud affecting an energy infrastructure already severely damaged by nearly four years of Russian military attacks.

The presidential decree implements "personal special economic" sanctions on Mindich that include freezing his assets. The sanctions also extend to another businessman, Oleksandr Tsukermann, with both individuals having their state awards revoked and facing restrictions on travel and business activities.

Throughout this developing scandal, President Zelensky has been working to distance himself from associates implicated in the corruption allegations, demonstrating his administration's commitment to addressing internal corruption even while the country continues to defend itself against external aggression.