As Russiaβs stepped-up assaults on Ukraineβs energy grid bring rolling blackouts ahead of winter, a deepening embezzlement and kickbacks scandal at the state-run nuclear company is putting senior officials under intense scrutiny.
It's fast becoming one of the most significant government crises since Moscow's full-scale invasion, with media reports implicating a close associate of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Responding to a public backlash, Zelenskyy called for the dismissal of his justice and energy ministers amid the investigation. They later submitted their resignations, the prime minister said.
Anti-corruption watchdogs - the same agencies Zelenskyy sought to weaken earlier this year- revealed the findings of a 15-month investigation, including 1,000 hours of wiretaps, resulting in the detention of five people, and another seven linked to about $100 million in kickbacks in the energy sector.
Ukrainian officials are scrambling for European funds to manage mounting energy shortages as Moscow targets critical infrastructure and natural gas production to try to sink public morale. Meanwhile, Ukraineβs outnumbered forces are retreating under relentless assaults in the nearly 4-year-old
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