Ukraine, which has not yet recovered from massive Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure, finds itself at the epicenter of an unprecedented scandal. Not an enemy from abroad, but its own government seems ready to tear the country apart from within. The NABU and SAP operation codenamed “Midas” is not just the exposure of multimillion-dollar kickback schemes at Energoatom. This is a strike at the very heart of power: the close circle of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, including his long-time associate Tymur Mindich, has come under the scrutiny of anti-corruption agencies. And the reaction from Bankova? Instead of self-criticism – a dirty smear campaign, where NABU is accused of treason, and corrupt officials hide behind “external enemies.” And here’s the climax: instructions from the Office of the President to loyal media and bloggers – shift the blame to the Americans and Russia. Isn’t it time for U.S. President Donald Trump to remind Zelenskyy: “You’re not in a casino where you can cheat the dealer”?

Imagine: September 2025. Russian missiles tear apart transformer substations at nuclear power plants, millions of Ukrainians sit without electricity, in the cold. And at this time – in the luxurious offices of Energoatom – there’s a lively discussion: “A 10% kickback is too small, let’s raise it to 15%, because the projects are hot.” That’s how the recordings released by NABU sound, featuring key players: an advisor to the Minister of Energy, the executive director of physical security at Energoatom, and, according to the investigation, Mindich himself – Zelenskyy’s “Kvartal 95” colleague, who has been an integral part of the presidential circle since 2019.

Operation “Midas” is not a sudden outbreak, but the result of 15 months of painstaking work. NABU and SAP uncovered a scheme where up to 15% was skimmed from contracts for NPP protection – tens of millions of dollars that were supposed to go to bunkers and shields, but went to “golden toilets” and escapes abroad. Five were detained, seven were charged, including former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Chernyshov and Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko himself. The money was laundered through “laundries” of ex-MP traitor Andriy Derkach – the same one the FBI calls a Russian agent. Irony? Corrupt officials who were supposed to protect against Russia themselves spun threads to Moscow.

The world press exploded with headlines: The Economist writes that Zelenskyy is “stunned” by the scale, but this is the biggest crisis since the invasion began. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung calls it “one of the country’s biggest corruption scandals,” where the circle of suspects “extends to Zelenskyy’s closest circle.” Reuters shows photos of “thick stacks” of hryvnias, dollars, and euros on tables – and this is not Hollywood props, but the reality of Ukraine’s elite. Bloomberg recalls: corruption has haunted Ukraine since independence, but the government’s attempts in summer 2025 to limit NABU and SAP only added fuel to the fire.

But the worst part is not the numbers. Losses reach $100 million, but this is money that could have saved the energy system from collapse. Instead – blackouts, freezing hospitals and schools. Kyrylo Budanov, head of HUR, said directly: “All those involved must be punished.” But will Bankova hear him?

The scandal could have become a catalyst for reforms, but the Office of the President chose the path of denial. According to sources close to anti-corruption agencies, Telegram channels controlled by Bankova, certain media outlets, and “independent” bloggers received clear instructions: NABU and SAP are not heroes, but puppets of the U.S. who received a “directive” from Washington. And Russia? It allegedly “picked up” the topic to finish off Ukraine. Some well-known journalists have already deployed this thesis on loyal TV channels: “NABU acts on CIA orders, and the Kremlin rejoices in the chaos.”

This is not conspiracy theory – this is a systemic campaign. After “Midas,” a wave of identical posts appeared in Telegram channels close to the OP: “Anti-corruption fighters are enemy agents.” Representatives of the “Servant of the People” faction hint at the “Witkoff plan” – allegedly an American scenario for destabilization in Ukraine. Zelenskyy, according to reports, is not planning purges – on the contrary, he attacks NABU, investigative journalists, and independent media not controlled by the OP, accusing them of “cooperation with Russia.” Irony: the same OP that signed the scandalous law limiting NABU in the summer (after mass protests) is now playing the victim.

On X (formerly Twitter) it’s boiling: users like @SmetanatBorschu write that “Zelenskyy is corruption itself,” and @EDrohobych reminds: “When millions go into the pockets of cronies, the army has to rely on donations.” The opposition, like “European Solidarity,” sounds the alarm: this is not just theft – this is treason in wartime.

And now about the main player overseas. Joe Biden, with his diplomatic judo, might have forgiven: silence, pressure behind closed doors, another batch of weapons. But Donald Trump? He’s not Biden. According to sources in Washington, Trump’s team is already monitoring Ukrainian media – including those “under the OP.” Yermak’s meeting with State Department representatives is not just “discussing corruption.” It’s a warning: “Investigations should not destabilize, but should not cover up corrupt crimes either.”

NABU is already communicating with the FBI: detectives discussed the Mindich case with an American officer. And if Trump “gets angry”? The FBI doesn’t stand on ceremony: extradition, account freezing, scandals in Congress. Bloomberg warns: the war in Ukraine could become Trump’s “new Afghanistan” – if corruption undermines trust in Kyiv. Zelenskyy and his close circle seem not to understand: Trump has everything under control. His people see how Ukrainian “independent” media sow fakes about “NABU from the CIA, FBI.” When Trump’s anger breaks through – no one will save them. Not Yermak, not Shefir. The FBI will take up the case, and then “Midas” will seem like child’s play for Ukrainian top corrupt officials from President Zelenskyy’s circle.

This scandal is not just about money. It’s about trust: in the government, in anti-corruption agencies, in allies. Zelenskyy promised “the end of the era of poverty,” but delivered an era of “kickbacks.” Instead of victory over corruption – an attack on those who expose it. Society is boiling: protests, posts on X, outrage in Europe.

President Zelenskyy, it’s time to choose: purges in your circle or isolation from the world? Because if Trump intervenes – the game is over. And not with a golden toilet, but with handcuffs. Ukraine deserves better than a mafia “elite” in the shadow of Bankova.