During a full-scale war, when Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline risk their lives for every light bulb in the rear, and civilians freeze in the dark due to Russian shelling of energy infrastructure, the political elite is turning strategic sectors into a personal “cash cow.” Millions of hryvnias in kickbacks, offshore money laundering schemes, and, as a cherry on top, direct financial bridges to the traitor Andriy Derkach – an ex-MP long declared an agent of Moscow by the SBU and the USA. This is not a thriller plot; it is the reality of the “Midas” scandal, where NABU and SAP exposed a corruption network in Energoatom and the Ministry of Energy, linked to the closest circle of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

But here is the paradox: while journalists savor the details of kickbacks, such as 10–15% from multi-billion hryvnia contracts, no one – neither the media nor law enforcement – dares to state the obvious: this is not merely theft, but high treason (derzhavna zrada). Why? Because the figures involved are “insiders”: Zelenskyy’s long-time friend and “Kvartal 95” co-owner, Timur Mindich (codename “Carlson”), former Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko, and other “tenderers” from the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC). The transfer of loot from the energy and defense sectors into the hands of Derkach is not an accident but a systemic crime that weakens Ukraine for the benefit of the aggressor. And on this, there is a loud silence.

The scandal erupted on November 10, 2025, when NABU and SAP announced “Operation Midas” – the codename for uncovering an organized criminal group that had siphoned funds from state energy companies for years. According to the investigation, the scheme was simple but effective: suppliers of Energoatom – the key nuclear energy player providing up to 55% of Ukraine’s electricity – paid kickbacks ranging from 10% to 15% of the contract value to avoid payment blocks or losing supplier status. The total damage? Over $100 million, according to expert estimates – money that could have gone to air defense for nuclear power plants or grid restoration after Russian strikes.

The real shock, however, lies in the “Mindich Tapes,” thousands of hours of recordings released by NABU. Figures with code names “Rocket,” “Tenor,” and “Carlson” (Mindich) calmly discuss the distribution of kickbacks, personnel rotations in the Ministry of Energy, and even the construction of protective structures for nuclear plants – with phrases like: “Tell the suppliers that everyone understands that something is about to happen. That’s why our prices are going up” (referring to increased kickbacks). Former Energoatom CEO Petro Kotin, who was dismissed in August 2024 due to similar scandals, is yet again implicated.

Worse still: part of these funds was laundered through an office in the center of Kyiv on Volodymyrska Street – a premise belonging to the family of Derkach, the traitor who was sanctioned by the US in 2020 for ties to Russian GRU. Here, according to NABU, the “schemes” were coordinated with the President’s inner circle: Mindich’s and Halushchenko’s people sealed deals in Derkach-linked offices, and the money – hundreds of thousands of dollars – went into “construction” or directly to the traitor. SAP Prosecutor Serhiy Savytskyi directly asked former Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov (also implicated) in court: “What was the purpose of your visits to Derkach’s office?” The answer? Silence, just like the rest of the system.

The facts are verified: NABU conducted over 70 searches, including the residences of Mindich and Halushchenko, seizing evidence worth millions. The US FBI has already joined the money laundering investigation, as the schemes involved international transactions. And Derkach? His family is a key hub for “legalizing” the stolen money, directly undermining Ukraine’s defense: energy is not just about light but also about financing the Armed Forces through taxes and exports.

Why is Ukrainian journalism, which blew up the “Derkach Tapes” in 2019 (concerning Trump’s pressure on Zelenskyy), today ignoring the direct link between corruption and treason? The media seizes on “kickbacks” and the “Mindich Tapes,” running sensational stories about the “President’s friend who fled,” but not a word about high treason. Why? Because the media owners are often the same oligarchs or “Kvartal people” who feed from the same troughs. Mindich, for example, controls a share in “1+1” and other assets linked to Kolomoiskyi – a figure who is a scandal unto himself.

This is a classic case of double standards: when treason is committed by an “outsider” (as with Onyshchenko or Boyko), journalists cry “shame!” But when the figures are “insiders,” the focus shifts to “political consequences” or “corporate governance reform.” Experts from the Institute of Mass Information emphasize: journalistic standards – accuracy, balance of opinions, separation of facts from comments – do not vanish during wartime. But where is the balance when the key fact is ignored: the transfer of money to a traitor? Where is the promptness when the SBU has still not opened a case under Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (High Treason), despite direct evidence?

Law enforcement is no better. On November 10, Zelenskyy assured: “I support the NABU investigation,” but remained silent about treason. Instead of arrests, we see three-year sanctions for Mindich and Tsukerman, as if it were a parking fine. And the NSDC, where the same figures sit, continues to “fight corruption” on paper. The result? Russia is already using the scandal in its propaganda: “Look, your elites are feeding us!”

This scandal is not isolated. It fits into a chain: from Onyshchenko’s “gas schemes” (2016) to Yanukovych’s “golden loaves,” but with a new emphasis – during the war. The energy sector is in ruins: since 2022, 50% of capacity has been lost, and corruption is stealing from restoration efforts. The West is reacting harshly: AP calls this the “biggest threat to the Zelenskyy government since the start of the invasion,” and the EU and the US are reconsidering aid – because who will give billions to a “mire”?

Politically? The opposition (from Poroshenko to Honcharenko) screams about “Zelenskyy’s mafia,” demanding a government of national unity. Society? Polls show: 70% of Ukrainians consider corruption worse than occupation. And Vakarchuk, whom Zelenskyy honored, remains silent – as does the entire “elite” that has been feeding on the blood spilled.

Double standards have struck at the core: trust. Journalism that stays silent about high treason becomes propaganda. Law enforcement that ignores Article 111 of the Criminal Code becomes complicit. Zelenskyy promised “no cronyism” – but the reality is: friends steal, traitors are fed, and Ukraine pays. NSDC, SBU, media – it’s time to speak about treason. Otherwise, the next “winter without light” will come not only from missiles but also from the betrayal of the elites. The facts are on the table: NABU has the tapes, and society has the anger. The question is: will there be enough political will to punish the “insiders”? Otherwise, victory on the front will turn into defeat in the rear.