This will be a text about how our international partners are reacting to "Mindichgate." I’ve heard a lot over these past days.
In November, Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau exposed systematic corruption worth at least $100 million, triggering a governmental crisis that has left the ruling majority reeling. The revelations documented systematic kickbacks at Energoatom, Ukraine’s state nuclear power operator. Contractors paid 10-15% of contract values to officials in exchange for protection and security contracts under the leadership of Tymur Mindich, a close associate of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Throughout all the years of the full-scale war, the vast majority of us, when speaking publicly, maintained the president’s line. Even when it was difficult, we restrained ourselves and refrained from criticizing the authorities.
Internally, there was much that could be said, but outwardly, every word had to be weighed. Believe me, even those who are now very critical of the president never crossed the line all this time and even defended him in many forums. I’ve witnessed this more than once.
But it seems that time has passed. Not only are Ukrainians demoralized by recent events, but our international partners are as well.
Did Zelenskyy know? Both answers are bad
These days, I’m communicating a lot with government representatives who have supported Ukraine all these years, and without whose help our economy would have collapsed long ago, and probably the front as well.
“This scandal is definitely not an internal Ukrainian matter. Many countries invest very, very large sums of money in Ukraine."
This, in brief, is the essence of most conversations.
"There are fewer and fewer of us advocating for Ukraine within our own countries, asking for funds for you. This damages our reputation, the reputation of our governments, in the eyes of our voters."
The question everyone is asking: did Zelenskyy know? Both answers are bad.
If he knew, then he would be part of a criminal group stealing from the country during a terrible existential war.
If he didn’t know, but kept these people close all these years, then questions arise about his cognitive abilities. The president simply cannot be that naive and detached from reality.
The West is not welcoming Zelenskyy. It is welcoming the Ukrainian people in his person
How else can we talk about the inadmissibility of corruption and the dangers of his entourage?
The president has been repeatedly briefed by Western intelligence about the risks associated with Yermak.
The Americans were very clear and unambiguous. Zelenskyy had the opportunity to review all the evidence, but stubbornly allowed Yermak to expand his influence.
Andrii Yermak, who holds the position of Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, is often referred to as Zelenskyy’s right-hand man. He is considered the second most influential person in Ukraine, after the president, controlling nearly all processes within the office and exerting influence over matters that exceed his competencies.
“Your president is very well received in Western capitals. It seems he has grown an oversized ego because of this. He has mixed things up: they are not welcoming him. They are welcoming the Ukrainian people in his person.”
Many are irritated that the Ukrainian delegation at official negotiations appears to lack a high level of competence. Yermak has replaced the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — he and his deputies effectively run entire ministries.
Yet their level of knowledge and professionalism is so low that listening to these poorly structured and illogical speeches at the highest-level meetings is physically painful. Meanwhile, those who actually understand the issues simply aren’t allowed into these meetings.
The defense sector worries everyone the most
Are there signs of corruption in the defense industry? There is deep distrust toward Rustem Umerov, the former defense minister and current secretary of the National Security and Defence Council (NSDC).
Anti-corruption agencies suspect that Mindich had influence over Umerov during his tenure as Minister of Defense and in other positions. This has generated rumors and doubts among partners regarding the transparency and integrity of the NSDC secretary.
I’m not sure I’ve ever met a single person who speaks of him with respect or appreciation. I don’t think so. He breaks agreements, behaves unethically, and does not provide access to information. That is the image he has earned as likely the weakest minister of defense in post-Maidan Ukraine.
The Ukrainians want to go with Zelenskyy, not with his friends
There will be no harsh public criticism for now. Everything depends on how the investigation ends and what actions Zelenskyy takes. So far, his steps are being cautiously welcomed.
The situation is being closely monitored. Those less familiar with Ukrainian domestic affairs even express respect that Ukraine has anti-corruption institutions (ha-ha).
From what I observe, the Ukrainians are clearly telling Zelenskyy that they understand all the risks and are therefore ready to go with him to the end of the war. But only with him, not with his friends, whom nobody ever elected to these roles or positions, and who grabbed hold of other people’s money.
They want to go with him only within the limits of the responsibilities defined by the Constitution of Ukraine.
There is no way back. The president must drop ballast
Not evade, not pretend that none of this exists or will somehow pass, not punish the opposition or civil society. He must accept that he made a mistake. These are his people, whom he brought in. Regardless of whether he was part of the scheme or not, he is responsible for what happened. He must simply acknowledge it.
There is no way to rewind. There is no way to jail everyone who is in opposition because their number will only grow. His task is to do everything so that we reach the end of the war with preserved statehood and preserved lives.
In order for us to continue resisting the Russians, to hold out until the moment when they run out of money for the war, we internally need justice, a readiness on the part of the president not to escalate, and functioning institutions.
Who does Ukrainian law enforcement serve?
At the same time, this is a good opportunity for all law enforcement officers to think about whom they actually serve. A few cowardly, greedy scoundrels, or the Ukrainian people? Because today, Yermak is very strong and influential, but tomorrow, you will be ashamed to have photos with him. Yermak does not grant himself power — the people around him grant it.
Therefore, it is everyone’s personal choice whether to obey him or not.
Finally, I can’t even imagine with what contempt and disgust the president’s friends are being viewed by all those brave people who left everything and now risk their lives to keep the enemy out.
Who are fighting in cold and damp trenches, without rotation and without hope for demobilization. The president must understand these moods and where they may lead.
