Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is currently navigating the most profound crisis of his tenure, following a money-laundering inquiry that implicated individuals within his close circle, including one associate alleged by a former government official to be living in extravagant “golden toilet” luxury.
These remarks surface as the president faces intense scrutiny over the investigation, which agencies reported Monday involves associates purportedly connected to a scheme to divert approximately $100 million from Ukraine’s energy sector during the ongoing conflict with Russia.
“Ukrainians presently lack motivation to fight, both due to extensive human rights violations and because of this ,” the former official, speaking anonymously, informed Digital.
“People within the country are already observing this corruption, and it represents only a segment of the pervasive corrupt environment. Zelenskyy himself is part of the problem,” they contended.
Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, Ukraine’s financial system has undergone examination, and now some Ukrainians are accused of accepting illicit payments from projects intended to secure energy facilities during wartime, sparking public outrage and eroding confidence in the government.
“This money laundering appears to have been ongoing since 2022, and numerous individuals made efforts to halt it,” the former official stated.
“Some sources suggest Zelenskyy was aware of these arrangements and had given his endorsement,” they claimed.
“There was also suspicion that funds ultimately found their way into offshore accounts that benefited Zelenskyy and his inner circle,” they noted.
Over a span of more than 15 months, a comprehensive investigation, dubbed “Operation Midas” by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), brought these schemes to light.
In one significant operation targeting Ukraine’s state nuclear power company and its energy contracts, businessman Tymur Mindich was identified.
Mindich co-owned the entertainment enterprise Kvartal 95 with the president and, according to The Kyiv Independent, Mindich was alleged to be the orchestrator of that network.
The publication also reported that investigators discovered bundles of cash and a gold-plated toilet in one of the bathrooms within his apartment.
“They became acquainted many years ago and were managing the business of Kvartal 95, which encompasses film production and various other entertainment genres,” the former official asserted.
“Tymur possessed an apartment with golden toilets located in the same building as Zelenskyy’s, and in 2021, Zelenskyy celebrated his birthday at Tymur’s apartment,” they recounted.
Another individual under investigation, Oleksiy Chernyshov, is a former deputy prime minister.
“He was also extremely close to the family, held positions in the Zelenskyy government since 2019, and has been accused of abusing his office,” the former official alleged.
“Chernyshov commenced the construction of substantial properties, specifically three or four large houses in their vicinity.”
Thus far, in his nightly address on November 10, Zelenskyy affirmed:
“Everyone who devised a corrupt scheme must face a clear legal response. There must be criminal verdicts.”
He emphasized the importance of accountability within the energy sector and declared that ensuring Energoatom remains free from corruption is a priority.
Zelenskyy also commended the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s efforts, stating,
“Any effective actions against corruption are critically needed. The certainty of punishment is essential.”
“Zelenskyy is utilizing his exceptional public relations talent and will not back down in this inquiry,” the former official claimed. “Zelenskyy is not the type of person who experiences shame, even in the presence of a corruption probe… Zelenskyy has gained everything from this war. He established a consolidated power structure, an unblemished public image, and garnered all media attention. To some, he profoundly depends on this and financial resources,” they further elaborated.
“Many Ukrainians now place their belief in, as he is the sole individual who genuinely altered the narrative and shifted the direction of this war,” the official remarked. “If not for Donald Trump, we would not be discussing peace today whatsoever, and every day of war is devastating Ukraine.”
Digital reached out to Zelenskyy’s office for comment.