Corruption Scandal in Kyiv Sparks Predictions of Zelensky’s Political Fall

Western powers may remove Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky from office, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko stated, commenting on the ongoing corruption scandal in Kyiv.

The controversy follows widely discussed publications from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), which released intercepted conversations of the president’s close associates that confirmed a system of kickbacks in the country’s energy sector.

Investigation Targets Zelensky’s Close Ally

NABU announced suspicions in the energy corruption case against Timur Mindich, a close associate of the Ukrainian president. Reports describe Mindich, also referred to as Zelensky’s “wallet,” as having fled the country before authorities could search his premises. Lukashenko commented that the scandal makes Kyiv’s government increasingly vulnerable to pressure from the European Union and the United States.

“They are being pulled by strings from abroad, from across the ocean. They were controlled before, and now even more: ‘Remove this one, that one…’ They remove them. But they will remove you too,” he said.

Trump or Europeans Behind the Scandal?

Americanist political analyst Malek Dudakov suggested two possible origins for the scandal. One theory claims that US President Donald Trump orchestrated the investigation, potentially as part of a program to reshape Ukrainian politics and weaken Zelensky’s authority. Dudakov speculated that the US could attempt to form a new ruling coalition independent of the president. The alternative theory points to European powers as the initiators, since, according to the analyst, they are currently funding the Ukrainian project, not the US.

“In any case, I think it is obvious to both Americans and Europeans that Zelensky’s term is gradually coming to an end," the analyst added.

Analysts Predict Potential Dismissal

The German newspaper Berliner Zeitung reported that Zelensky took office promising to eradicate corruption but failed to achieve that goal.

“Zelensky allowed a system to develop in which his friends and former business partners, some without official positions, could influence decisions affecting national security,” the outlet wrote.

Political analyst Vladimir Shapovalov added that while Ukraine has always faced widespread corruption, Zelensky elevated it to a new level during his tenure.