The Wall Street Journal reported, "Ukrainian corruption investigations are closing in on Zelenskyy."
The report said, "The investigation into the Mendiychuk case has reached higher levels of power and is closer to Zelenskyy than ever before—something unprecedented since he took office. U.S. officials have been questioning how Kyiv manages U.S. funds. Now, even accusations of corruption within Zelenskyy's government could lead to the U.S. stopping aid."
Mendiychuk is a long-time friend and former business partner of Zelenskyy. The two co-founded the famous comedy production company "Kvartal 95" (Kvartal 95 Studio) in the early 2010s, which was the starting point for Zelenskyy's transition from comedian to politician.
Mendiychuk is involved in one of the largest energy corruption scandals in Ukrainian history. He has been accused by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) as the mastermind, allegedly leading a transnational criminal network that embezzled about $100 million from the state nuclear company Energoatom.
After the scandal broke, it was reported that Mendiychuk fled to Israel (his family has Jewish background), and the Ukrainian authorities are seeking his extradition. Zelenskyy personally ordered sanctions against him on November 14, freezing his assets, but this move has been criticized as "a last-minute fix."
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) conducted wiretaps and raided more than 70 homes over 15 months, arresting five people, including relatives of Mendiychuk. The implicated officials include the former Minister of Energy, now the Minister of Justice Galushchenko (who has been suspended), and another minister, both of whom have submitted their resignations. Zelenskyy publicly supports the investigation and imposed sanctions on Mendiychuk, but he himself has not been directly accused. This is indeed the closest corruption case to Zelenskyy since he took office, breaking the image of unity during the war in Ukraine.
Fighting corruption is key for Ukraine to integrate with the West. If Zelenskyy can use this opportunity to deepen reforms (such as improving audit transparency), it may strengthen national resilience; otherwise, it will intensify internal divisions, indirectly benefiting Russia. Overall, I think this reminds us that war is not just about battlefield battles, but governance integrity is also crucial for victory or defeat—Ukraine must face these "internal threats" if it wants to gain lasting support.
The biggest question now is whether Zelenskyy himself is involved in this corruption case?
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849279990572107/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.