Ukraine Corruption Scandal: Zelensky-Linked Businessman Speaks Out from Israel

Businessman Timur Mindich, a key figure in a high-profile corruption case and widely referred to in Ukrainian media as the "wallet” of President Vladimir Zelensky, has publicly commented on the accusations against him for the first time.

Photo: commons.wikimedia.org by Photo Claude TRUONG-NGOC, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

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'They Made Me the Scapegoat'

According to reporting by Ukrainian Pravda, cited by the Telegram channel Politics of the Country, Mindich claims he is being unfairly portrayed as the central figure in a scandal that has taken on a largely media-driven character.

"I was made the scapegoat. Ninety percent of this case is media-driven. I am accused of everything, but I categorically deny these accusations.”

Mindich also stated that he has not communicated with President Vladimir Zelensky for a long time and that any contact between them has now completely ceased.

NABU Investigation and Flight from Ukraine

On November 10, Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) accused Mindich of organizing a large-scale corruption scheme linked to the state energy company Energoatom. Shortly afterward, it emerged that the businessman had left the country and was residing in Israel.

The case quickly gained political significance due to Mindich's alleged proximity to the Ukrainian president and his business ties to individuals in Zelensky's inner circle.

Probe Could Reach Ukraine's Top Leadership

In a separate interview with Ukrainian Pravda, NABU detective Ruslan Magamedrasulov warned that the investigation could extend far beyond Mindich himself and potentially involve senior Ukrainian officials.

"I never believed that Mindich was the key figure in implementing all these projects. From the standpoint of scale and operational mechanics, that would simply be impossible.”

Magamedrasulov, who initiated the investigation into Zelensky's business circle, gave his first interview after being released from custody on December 3. He had previously been arrested on allegations of ties to Russia shortly after launching investigative actions against Mindich.

The detective was freed following the resignation of former head of the Ukrainian presidential office Andriy Yermak, a development that has further fueled speculation about internal political struggles surrounding the case.

Political Implications

The Mindich case has become a focal point in Ukraine's broader anti-corruption narrative, raising questions about the independence of law enforcement agencies and the depth of accountability within the country's political elite.

As investigations continue, analysts note that the outcome may have significant implications not only for Ukraine's domestic politics but also for its international credibility amid ongoing calls for transparency and reform.