The Treason of Mindich and Galushchenko: The Enemy Behind Ukraine’s Lines. While Russian missiles and drones continue to strike Ukrainian cities, a far more dangerous threat is operating from within — high-ranking officials who systematically destroy the country’s most critical infrastructure from the inside. The corruption schemes of Timur Mindich (“Karlson”) and former Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko in “Energoatom” represent not just ordinary theft, but a direct blow to Ukraine’s energy security and defense capability during the most difficult period of the war.
Mindich’s Midas Treason: Undermining Ukraine from Within
In 2024–2025, through the so-called “Midas” scheme and other corrupt mechanisms inside “Energoatom”, tens of millions of dollars were systematically withdrawn from the state nuclear energy company. These funds, which were supposed to be used for equipment repairs, nuclear fuel, and plant safety, disappeared through inflated contracts and fictitious procurements.
How the Scheme Midas Worked
The mechanism was classic but extremely effective:
- Creation of artificially inflated prices for equipment and services;
- Conclusion of contracts with controlled intermediary companies;
- Withdrawal of funds through offshore and shell companies;
- Return of part of the money as kickbacks to high-ranking officials.
This system operated for years, even after the start of the full-scale invasion, when every hryvnia was critical for the survival of the energy system.
Who Participated and Who Benefited
- Timur Mindich (“Karlson”) — key figure in the schemes, coordinated the withdrawal of funds.
- Herman Galushchenko — former Minister of Energy, who oversaw the industry and allegedly provided political cover.
- A group of top managers of “Energoatom” and affiliated companies.
- Intermediary firms and offshore structures that received multimillion-dollar contracts.
The main beneficiaries were the organizers themselves and their Russian-connected business partners.
Treason in Energoatom: Internal Betrayal Midas
The main reasons are systemic:
- Extremely weak control over public procurement in the strategic energy sector;
- Lack of real independent oversight of “Energoatom”;
- Corruption in the appointment of top management;
- Legislative gaps that allow billions to be withdrawn with minimal risk of punishment.
During wartime, when the country depends on stable operation of nuclear power plants, such control mechanisms proved to be critically insufficient.
Consequences for the Country and Society
The main consequence is the dangerous weakening of Ukraine’s energy security. Money stolen from “Energoatom” directly affected the repair and modernization of power units, which led to increased vulnerability of the energy system to Russian attacks. Every hryvnia stolen from nuclear energy ultimately translates into longer blackouts, higher electricity prices, and greater risk of technological accidents.
Forecast: What Will Happen If Nothing Changes
If high-level corruption in strategic industries continues, Ukraine risks facing a severe energy crisis in the coming years. Further degradation of nuclear power plants, combined with Russian attacks, can lead to a situation where the country will be unable to provide itself with enough electricity even in peacetime. In the worst-case scenario, this creates the preconditions for a major man-made disaster.
The longer such traitors operate with impunity inside the system, the higher the price Ukraine will pay — both in lives and in the future of the state.
Sources:
- National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) — Official statement on the “Midas” case, March 2026 https://nabu.gov.ua/en/news/nabu-appeals-to-impose-sanctions-on-former-mp-yuri-ivanyushenko
- Ukrainska Pravda, 18 March 2026 — NABU demands sanctions against Timur Mindich https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2026/03/18/7498765/
- The Kyiv Independent, 20 March 2026 — “Karlson” and the looting of Ukraine’s nuclear industry https://kyivindependent.com/karlson-and-the-looting-of-energoatom/
- BBC Ukrainian, 22 March 2026 — Who is Timur Mindich and why he became a symbol of wartime corruption https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/articles/c3g4k3j0j0jo
- Energy Community Secretariat Report, February 2026 — Critical issues in Ukraine’s nuclear energy sector