Ukraine is launching a massive anti-corruption audit of all state-owned companies, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced on Thursday, amid an investigation into an alleged graft scheme involving the state-owned Energoatom company.
Kyiv is preparing a “comprehensive decision regarding all state-owned enterprises, including those in the energy sector,” Svyrydenko said.
“Audits are under way, and supervisory boards have been instructed to review operations, especially procurement practices.”
“Eradicating corruption is a matter of honour and dignity”, Ukraine’s prime minister emphasised. “We bear responsibility before our defenders”.
Earlier on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree imposing sanctions on businessmen Timur Mindich and Oleksandr Tsukerman, who are implicated in the corruption probe.
On Tuesday, Ukraine’s anti-corruption bureau (NABU) charged eight people with bribery, abuse of office and illicit enrichment. It also published tapes where the group, using code names and encrypted language, discussed alleged kickbacks and bribes.
According to NABU, Mindich — Zelenskyy's former business partner — is believed to be the main organiser of the alleged corruption scheme.
The sanctions are imposed for three years on both Mindich and Tsukerman, who are Israeli citizens.
On Wednesday, Ukraine's Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk resigned amid the probe.
Probe proves anti-corruption measures work, Brussels says
The European Commission said on Thursday that the investigation has proven that the country's anti-graft bodies “work”.
Brussels stressed that continuous efforts to fight corruption are a key requirement in the EU accession process.
“I think it’s really important to underline that these investigations which are taking place in Ukraine show that the anti-corruption (measures) work, and institutions are there to precisely fight against it,”EU chief spokesperson Paula Pinho said.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said Ukraine needed a "credible reform agenda and strong anti-corruption measures” as she addressed the EU-Ukraine Investment Conference in Warsaw.
“With Ukraine, we are working hard to build the trust to progress decisively & prepare for a successful reconstruction," Kos said.
Following a call with Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the two discussed the latest anti-graft probe.
“We expect Ukraine to press ahead with anti-corruption measures and reforms in its own country.”
