State of the World from NPR Ukraine’s Government is Rocked by a Corruption Scandal
Dec 8, 2025
Eleanor Beardsley, an experienced NPR correspondent in Kyiv, dives into the shocking corruption scandal gripping Ukraine as high-stakes peace talks loom. She reveals details of Operation Midas, where $100 million is allegedly siphoned from the state nuclear company, Enerhoatom. Ukrainians express shock over wiretapped conversations, and Beardsley discusses the political fallout, including President Zelenskyy's call for unity and caution in the face of ongoing investigations. The implications for Ukraine's ambitions with the EU and its democratic resilience highlight the pressing urgency of these issues.
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YouTube Series Felt Like A Netflix Drama
- NABU released a five-part YouTube series with wiretapped conversations and code names like Che Guevara and Sugar Man.
- Ukrainians watched it like a Netflix drama, stunned by the depth of the scheme.
Massive Fraud At State Nuclear Company
- Operation Midas revealed systemic fraud at state nuclear firm Enerhoatom with alleged siphoning of $100 million.
- The scandal struck amid wartime energy shortages, making the corruption especially painful for Ukrainians.
High-Level Shakeups To Show Accountability
- President Volodymyr Zelensky wasn't implicated, but he dismissed Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak after a search of his home.
- The moves aim to show accountability while keeping focus on national defense.