KYIV, Ukraine, Nov 13, (AP): As Russia’s renewed attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure cause rolling blackouts ahead of winter, a major embezzlement and kickbacks scandal involving the state-owned nuclear power company has put top officials under scrutiny. It's fast becoming one of the most significant government crises since Moscow's full-scale invasion, with media reports implicating a close associate of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Responding to a public backlash, Zelenskyy called for the dismissal of his justice and energy ministers amid the investigation. They later submitted their resignations, the prime minister said. Anti-corruption watchdogs - the same agencies Zelenskyy sought to weaken earlier this year- revealed the findings of a 15-month investigation, including 1,000 hours of wiretaps, resulting in the detention of five people, and another seven linked to about $100 million in kickbacks in the energy sector.

Ukrainian officials are scrambling for European funds to manage mounting energy shortages as Moscow targets critical infrastructure and natural gas production to try to sink public morale. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s outnumbered forces are retreating under relentless assaults in the nearly 4-year-old war. The country has been plagued by corruption since gaining independence, and Zelenskyy was elected on a mandate to eliminate graft.

Military procurement scandals led to the ouster of Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov in 2023. But the timing of this one couldn't be much worse. "Internally this scandal will be used to undermine unity and stability within the country. Externally, our enemies will use it as an argument to stop aid to Ukraine,” said Oleksandr Merezhko, a lawmaker with Zelenskyy’s party.