Corruption scandal pressures Ukraine president to show greater accountability

Pressure is mounting on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to take stronger action to show accountability in the face of a corruption scandal presenting the greatest threat to his government since Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Last week, Zelenskyy dismissed two top officials and imposed sanctions on close associates after government investigators revealed that US$ 100 million had been embezzled from the country’s energy sector through



kickbacks paid by contractors.

But that hasn’t quieted the political storm. After more than three years of war in which Ukrainians face regular power outages as a result of Russia’s fierce bombardment, corruption in the energy sector isn’t sitting well with the public. 

Calls are growing for Zelenskyy to remove his longtime chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, who many consider to be Ukraine’s de facto vice president.