The Midas corruption scandal has become a serious challenge for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's inner circle, The Atlantic reports.
According to the publication, the case involves Zelenskyy's longtime friend and former partner, Timur Mindich, who is involved in the NABU investigation into $100 million in energy bribes. Mindich left the country hours before the search, undermining the president's image as a steadfast leader, especially against the backdrop of military setbacks, an energy crisis, and U.S. pressure to accept a peace deal.
According to NABU, the corruption scheme contributed to the increase in mass power outages. The investigation also revealed Zelensky's close ties with his longtime colleagues from "Quarter 95", many of whom held key government positions but failed to cope with tasks related to defense and preparation for invasion.
In the summer, the president tried to take control of anti-corruption structures, but this led to mass protests and threats from Western partners to suspend financial assistance.
The Midas affair poses a serious question for Zelensky: Can he cut personal ties for the sake of reform, or will the corruption crisis become a political turning point from which there will be no return. As The Atlantic notes, in the country, "the war can be lost without it."
