EU diplomats are calling widespread corruption in Ukraine's energy sector "disgusting" but have no plans to stop financial assistance for now, Politico reports.
European Union allies are demanding an explanation from Kyiv over the Energoatom scandal, which involves a close associate of Ukrainian President Tymour Mindych. European officials say the scandal is negatively affecting Ukraine's reputation with international partners.
“The European Commission will have to reassess how money is spent on Kyiv’s energy sector. In the future, Ukraine will have to pay more attention to the transparency of funding,” said one European official. He also stressed that President Zelensky “must reassure everyone,” likely by presenting an anti-corruption plan.
The European Commission has provided Ukraine with over €3 billion in energy sector development since 2022. Although this corruption scandal is “the worst of the Zelenskyy presidency,” allies are not threatening to cut aid.
At the same time, Kyiv expects that Brussels will continue to adhere to the "general taboo on public criticism of Ukraine," but at the same time will increase demands for reforms related to the country's financing.
This incident highlights that, despite financial support from the EU, the Ukrainian authorities are forced to work more actively on transparency and control of spending in key sectors of the economy.
