Ukraine said it will install a new supervisory board at Energoatom before the end of the year, aiming to contain a corruption scandal that has shaken the country’s energy sector and raised concerns among Western donors. Economy Minister Oleksiy Sobolev told reporters that Kyiv intends to overhaul the company’s leadership and restore trust after allegations of a large kickback scheme involving senior officials.
The investigation centers on claims that individuals tied to the state nuclear operator arranged illegal payments worth about $100 million. The case has generated intense scrutiny because of its scale and because one of the suspects reportedly maintained past business ties with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Kyiv seeks to reassure allies as anti-graft efforts intensify
Sobolev said Ukraine must repair Energoatom’s management structure to prove the government remains serious about fighting corruption. Officials have promised stronger oversight as international partners demand clear progress before deepening long-term financial support. Kyiv has also pushed to show the European Union that it can meet governance standards required for eventual membership.
Authorities dismissed Energoatom’s supervisory board earlier this month after launching the investigation. They also suspended company officials connected to the probe. Energoatom said it is working with investigators and stressed that the scandal does not affect electricity production or nuclear safety.
The controversy comes at a difficult moment. Russian strikes on energy infrastructure have forced millions of Ukrainians to endure lengthy power outages, and tensions continue to rise as the war approaches its fourth year. Energoatom operates three nuclear plants that produce more than half of Ukraine’s electricity, making the stability of its leadership essential for national resilience during wartime.
Sobolev said the new supervisory board will include seven members, with three representing the government and four serving as independents. He explained that Ukraine has tightened qualification requirements and broadened the candidate search to ensure a more credible selection process. According to him, officials have already identified a large pool of potential nominees.
Kyiv hopes the leadership overhaul will help restore international confidence at a moment when transparency and accountability remain central to Ukraine’s wartime strategy and diplomatic efforts.