Exclusive Interview: Former Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko on Ties to Businessman Mindich and Corruption at 'Energoatom'.

Halushchenko Addresses Business Connections and 'Energoatom' Scandal

According to TSN.ua: In an exclusive interview, former Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko discussed his relationship with businessman Timur Mindich and commented on the corruption scandal surrounding the state nuclear power company 'Energoatom'. Halushchenko stated that he met Mindich around 2017–2018, noting their children attended the same school in Kyiv. He also denied allegations from Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) linking him to a property associated with former Interior Minister Vitaliy Zakharchenko, claiming the residence was rented on the open market.

Halushchenko further addressed the situation at 'Energoatom', describing it as a loss-making enterprise that was selling half its output for a single kopeck. Following his appointment as Energy Minister in 2021, he reformed the company's financial model, which he says allowed for a reduction in household electricity tariffs. He cited the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which first exceeded 6 gigawatts of output in 2021, as an example of progress. As of February 2022, 15 nuclear power units were operational. Ukraine's energy sector has been a critical front, both for the economy and as a target during the ongoing war.

Communication with the President and Response to Corruption Allegations

Halushchenko also detailed his communication with the President during the war, particularly during mass shelling attacks. He mentioned contacting Ihor Mironyuk, a lawyer he met while working at the Ministry of Justice, for legal counsel. Expressing surprise at the information released by NABU, Halushchenko stated:

"When I heard this, I had many questions about whether it corresponded to reality."

He emphasized that "there was an impression that all the criminals had already been identified," adding that if not for the full-scale war and the loss of the Zaporizhzhia plant, low electricity tariffs would have been maintained. These comments highlight the complex challenges within Ukraine's energy sector and Halushchenko's personal stance on the 'Energoatom' agenda. The allegations come at a sensitive time for Ukraine, as it seeks to maintain international support and attract investment for reconstruction.

Halushchenko's statements underscore the importance of transforming Ukraine's energy sector amid war and economic pressures. Reforming 'Energoatom's' financial model and lowering consumer tariffs could significantly impact the country's energy security. However, corruption accusations and attempts to link him to past scandals may affect public trust in the government and the recovery of investment in the energy sector. In this context, monitoring the developments of NABU's investigation and the state's subsequent anti-corruption measures remains crucial.