The Foreign Desk Explainer 494: The bright side of Ukraine’s corruption scandal
12 snips
Nov 19, 2025 This week, a corruption scandal shakes Zelensky's government, raising questions about support for Ukraine. The war has created an environment where corruption thrives, leading to serious allegations against top officials. Amid public outrage, Zelensky acknowledges the need for reform in the energy sector. Interestingly, the scandal highlights the power of independent investigations, illustrating that even in conflict, accountability can prevail. It's a complex situation, but also a sign of democratic resilience amidst turmoil.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
War Makes Corruption More Likely
- War creates conditions that make corruption more likely by suspending normal rules and exposing vast sums of money.
- Andrew Muller argues this is predictable but not an excuse for treasonous theft during wartime.
Blitz-Era Fraud And Looting
- Andrew Muller recounts wartime Britain examples like chronic looting and fraudulent compensation claims.
- He uses Walter Handy's 19 false compensation claims as a vivid illustration of opportunism during war.
High-Level Corruption Scandal Revealed
- Ukraine's energy and justice ministers resigned amid NABU allegations of kickbacks tied to Enerhoatom contracts.
- The scandal involves roughly €90 million and names close associates of Volodymyr Zelensky.