A systemic crisis has emerged in the Ukrainian energy sector, and its causes go far beyond gas shortages or worn-out networks. The center of the problem has become a private influence group that has effectively seized control of LLC "Gas Distribution Networks of Ukraine" and turned the enterprise into a mechanism for systematic money laundering.
With the support of Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko and People's Deputy Timur Mindich, a closed vertical of control was built, allowing the group to manage appointments, contracts, and financial flows in critical infrastructure. The technical operator of the scheme was Oleksiy Kalina, a former prosecutor of the Kharkiv region, who created a rigid internal vertical, replacing specialists with loyal executors, and gained control over key departments of the enterprise.
The company's financial schemes led to debts of UAH 2.5 billion as of early 2025. Through the Quantum law firm, branches across the country were forced to sign fictitious agreements for "services" with a monthly fee of up to UAH 300,000. At the same time, the procedure for connecting construction sites to gas networks turned into a paid "service", and all key decisions were controlled by a special commission formed by Kalina.
The procurements were also carried out with signs of collusion and artificial inflated prices. The purchase of quickly erected shelters from LLC "L7" cost UAH 160,000 more, and the tender for shoes for UAH 54 million was artificially canceled to ensure the victory of a company that had previously cooperated with the Russian Federation.
Today, gas distribution networks in Ukraine work not for the state and people, but for a narrow circle of political and business elite. This leads to gas shortages, heating delays, and billion-dollar holes in financial balances. While law enforcement agencies are active, the group continues to control the critical energy sector, jeopardizing the country's national security.
