“Servant of the People” calls for a government of national stability after the corruption scandal: what are the demands of the faction?
19 November 2025 16:08
The Servant of the People faction has issued a public statement following high-profile anti-corruption investigations by the NABU and the SAPO into the activities of a group linked to businessman Timur Mindich. The document indicates a political crisis within the government and the faction’s attempt to demonstrate a tough and public stance amid a decline in trust in state institutions.
This was announced on Facebook by the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy Mykyta Poturaev, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
In a statement, the Servant of the People party emphasizes that large-scale abuses threaten state stability during the war, and a crisis of confidence could undermine the support of international partners.
What the faction demands
1. there should be no “untouchables”
All officials involved in the investigation should immediately resign from their positions. This also applies to possible future defendants if the investigation reveals new names.
2. Full support for NABU and SAPO
The faction declares that pressure on anti-corruption bodies is unacceptable and insists on full support for their work.
3. Formation of the Coalition of National Resilience
The parliamentary forces that position themselves as pro-Ukrainian call for unity, putting aside party interests. The goal is to restore trust and demonstrate a consolidated position in times of crisis.
4. Government of National Resilience – without party quotas and backroom deals
The Government of National Resilience, according to the proposal, should not be formed on a party basis.
The priority is reputation, professionalism, and an “anti-crisis mandate.”
After the formation of the national resilience coalition, negotiations should begin between all factions and groups that will be part of it to form a government of national resilience.
This Government should be
- formed without party quotas, backroom deals and “their own people”,
- composed of professionals with an impeccable reputation and proven management experience in the relevant fields
- focused on fulfilling a clearly defined anti-crisis mandate: ensuring defense capability, economic stability, energy security and uncompromising fight against high-level corruption.
The members of such a government should defend national, not narrow political or party interests, and not use their positions as a springboard for future political campaigns.
5. Constitutional balance of power and strengthening trust in the presidency
Power triangle: The President of Ukraine – the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine – the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine – should return to the framework of the Constitution of Ukraine and be built on the principles of a parliamentary-presidential republic.
What they say about the president
The statement emphasizes that the system of government should return to the parliamentary-presidential balance enshrined in the Constitution.
The statement also emphasizes the need for more transparent work of the President’s Office and purging of those involved in corrupt practices.
The MPs expect that the investigation will serve as a basis for the President to strengthen confidence in the institution of the head of state both in Ukraine and abroad.
As a reminder, the MPs supported the resignation of Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk and Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko.
What is known about the corruption scandal at Energoatom
“Operation Midas”
The NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine) together with the SAPO (Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office) launched a large-scale investigation of the energy sector codenamed Midas.
The case involves a corruption scheme at the state nuclear company NNEGC Energoatom, through which contractors, according to the investigation, systematically paid kickbacks of 10-15% of the value of contracts.
The investigation lasted 15 months, and investigators collected over 1,000 hours of audio recordings.
Who is under suspicion
Seven people have already been notified of suspicion. Among them are a businessman whom NABU calls the “head of a criminal organization,” a former adviser to the Minister of Energy, the executive director of security at Energoatom, and four back-office employees who allegedly legalized the funds.
According to law enforcement, the alleged key organizer of the scheme is Timur Mindich, a businessman associated with Kvartal 95.
A former advisor to the Minister of Energy is also implicated.
According to the investigation, the scheme consisted of Energoatom’s contractors agreeing to pay kickbacks to avoid blocking payments or losing their supplier status.
The money was allegedly legalized through a back office controlled by the criminal group.
The investigation uses pseudonyms: the audio recordings mention “Tenor,” “Professor” and “Carlson” as participants in the scheme.
Energoatom’s response
Energoatom states that “the incident that occurred” did not harm the financial condition of the company and did not affect production plans or the safety of the nuclear power plant.
At the same time, the company’s supervisory board convened an extraordinary meeting to initiate an independent audit of internal control systems.
Political and international implications
The European Union has already reacted: G7 ambassadors have called for a transparent and independent investigation.
The EU’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, called the corruption scandal “extremely regrettable,” emphasizing that it is a matter of trust and the effectiveness of public administration.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that transparency at Energoatom is a priority, and those responsible must be brought to justice.
The government has already started the reform: top officials are reportedly being dismissed, a full audit of the state-owned company and a new supervisory board are being prepared.
“Energoatom is a strategic enterprise: it is a state-owned nuclear energy operator. Corruption here can undermine both the financial stability and energy security of the country.
The scheme opened up channels for kickbacks at a time when government contracts are extremely critical.
