A new stage of reforming energy enterprises has begun in Ukraine as part of the government’s plan to renew the industry. This was announced by the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yulia Svyrydenko, who noted that the selection of candidates for the supervisory boards of several strategically important energy companies will start on December 15.
This is reported by Finway
Selection for Supervisory Boards of Strategic Enterprises
According to government information, the competition includes companies such as the “Operator of the Gas Transmission System of Ukraine,” “Ukrainian Distribution Networks,” “Market Operator,” “Centrenergo,” “Energy Company of Ukraine,” NAEC “Energoatom,” “Ukrenergo,” and “Ukrhydroenergo.” The Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture will be responsible for publishing all details regarding the competitive selection process. The formation of the updated supervisory boards is planned to be completed by January.
In addition, a competition for four positions of independent members of the supervisory board of the national joint-stock company “Naftogaz of Ukraine” started on December 12.
“Our main goal is to ensure transparency, efficiency, and control in the management of energy sector companies,” Svyrydenko stated.
Updating Board Membership and Anti-Corruption Investigations
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on December 3 the termination of the powers of a significant portion of the supervisory board members in state energy companies. Among them are: “Centrenergo,” “Gas Transmission Operator,” “Market Operator,” “Ukrainian Distribution Networks,” and “Energy Company of Ukraine.” Zelensky emphasized that new members of the supervisory boards should be appointed by December.
Amid personnel changes, anti-corruption investigations are ongoing. On November 10, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine announced the exposure of a criminal organization that systematically received illegal benefits from “Energoatom” contractors, amounting to between 10% and 15% of the contract value. Eight individuals are suspected in this case, including Timur Mindich, co-founder of the “Kvartal-95” studio (pseudonym “Karlson”), former advisor to the Minister of Energy Igor Mironyuk (“Rocket”), Executive Director for Security of “Energoatom” Dmytro Basov (“Tenor”), as well as four representatives of the so-called “back office for money laundering”: Oleksandr Tsukerman (“Sugar Man”), Igor Fursenko (“Ryoshik”), Lesya Ustyimenko, and Lyudmila Zorina.
Oleksandr Tsukerman (“Sugar Man”), one of the suspects, called the accusations from NABU and SAP “lies” and promised to return to Ukraine. Timur Mindich has not publicly commented on the situation. Sanctions have been imposed on both by the National Security and Defense Council.