‘Not an easy process’: How is Ukraine, and Zelenskyy, tackling corruption?

Al JazeeraCenterEN 5 min read 100% complete by Nils AdlerJanuary 27, 2026 at 12:27 PM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

In late 2025, Ukraine was embroiled in a major corruption scandal, "Operation Midas," centered on the state energy sector, specifically Energoatom. The investigation by NABU and SAPO focused on allegations of inflated contracts and kickbacks involving senior figures and associates linked to President Zelenskyy. The probe expanded beyond the energy sector, leading to searches, arrests, and the resignation of Zelenskyy's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak. The scandal damaged Zelenskyy's image as a reformer and raised concerns among Western backers who have tied aid to anticorruption progress. According to lawyer Tetiana Shevchuka, the investigations are ongoing, with NABU working on charges against top-level individuals allegedly involved.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Operation Midas 40% Anti-Corruption Action Centre 40% Andriy Yermak 50% Tetiana Shevchuka ×250% Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) 60% Energoatom 60% National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) ×270% Kyiv ×270% Russia ×270% Ukraine ×790% Volodymyr Zelenskyy ×390%

Keywords

corruption 100% ukraine 90% volodymyr zelenskyy 80% anticorruption 70% investigation 60% sapo 50% nabu 50% energy sector 40% graft 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.30

Source Transparency

Source

Al Jazeera

Political Lean

Center (0.00)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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corruption ukraine volodymyr zelenskyy anticorruption investigation sapo nabu energy sector graft

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