Full disclosure: On the issue of Russia’s war against Ukraine, I stand firmly on the side of Ukraine in its struggle to maintain its sovereignty free of interference from Russia.

That said, no one — and particularly no country — is perfect. Governments are, after all, run by human beings, who are innately imperfect and sometimes corruptible. Why would anyone believe Ukraine might be an exception?

But this week’s revelations concerning the extent of the kickback scheme involving a number of people at or near the top of the Ukrainian hierarchy have, at the very least, been shocking.

As yet, there has been no implication of involvement on the part of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and it is devoutly to be hoped that his hands are indeed clean. This is a man who, with little political experience, was thrown into the role of defender of his nation when Vladimir Putin launched his attack in February of 2022. For nearly four years, Zelensky has fought for and inspired his people with a strength and tenacity that few would have suspected he possessed at the outset. To be told now that he might have been involved in, or covering up, illegal activity for personal enrichment would be devastating.

But the scheme was uncovered as the result of a 15-month investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) — the two offices that Zelensky tried to strip of their authority by transferring control to the Prosecutor General last July. That order was only rescinded following massive public protests. (See my post: “7/24/25: What Has Volodymyr Zelensky Done?”)

It is alleged that Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and others — including Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov and businessman (and former business partner of Zelensky) Timur Mindich — received payments from contractors hired to build fortifications against Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. [Laura Gozzi, BBC, November 12, 2025.]

According to NABU, contracting company Enerhoatom systematically paid kickbacks of between 10% and 15% of contract values — amounting to an estimated $100 million — to the involved individuals.

The funds were laundered through an office in Kyiv connected to the family of former Ukrainian lawmaker — and currently Russian senator — Andriy Derkach. The money was then transferred outside Ukraine . . . including to Russia. [Id.]

Well, I’ll bet that raised a few eyebrows!

Aside from the theft of money desperately needed for the defense of the country; and aside from the fact that this has all taken place in the midst of crippling power blackouts to conserve electricity as Russia continues to batter Ukraine’s energy infrastructure; it appears that Russian operators — if not the government itself — are involved.

At best, this is a massive headache for President Zelensky — as though he needs another headache at this point.

And at worst . . . well, I hate to even think about what it would mean to him, and to Ukraine, if he were even accused of being involved.

Though I’m pretty sure there would be celebrations in the Kremlin.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
11/13/25