Since the start of Russia's war in Ukraine almost four years ago, Volodymyr Kudrytsky - then head of the state-owned energy company “Ukrenergo“ - managed to maintain the country's electricity supply despite Russian missile and drone strikes, writes “Politiko“, reports News.bg.
His efforts earned the respect of the international energy community until he abruptly resigned in 2024.
His dismissal sparked criticism in the energy sector and alarm in Brussels. Kudrytsky accused the Ukrainian leadership of striving for a centralization of power in which “corrupt individuals“ could take control of the state-owned company.
In recent weeks, Kudrytskyi has been on trial in Kiev on embezzlement charges related to a contract he approved seven years ago as deputy director of investments at Ukrenergo. However, the subcontractor has not started work, and the company has refunded the advance payment.
Kudrytskyi's supporters, including opposition lawmakers and civil society activists, call the trial politically motivated and part of an effort by the administration of President Volodymyr Zelensky to silence critics and discredit opponents through accusations of corruption or cooperation with Russia.
A similar practice has been observed with former President Petro Poroshenko, who was also accused of corruption and sanctioned, which could prevent him from running in future elections. Opposition lawmakers and activists warn that such actions create the conditions for “unfair elections“ and undermine democracy.
Prominent Ukrainian activist Daria Kalenyuk attended the court hearing and reiterated that the accusation against Kudritsky is “political” and contains no legally substantiated evidence of material gain. Opposition lawmaker Ina Sovsun stressed that “no damage was done” and the case appears to be politically motivated.
The court decided to release Kudritsky on bail of $325,000, although several lawmakers offered to act as guarantors.
Meanwhile, critics express concerns that the case is unfolding at a critical time for Ukraine, given the intensified Russian attacks on energy infrastructure and the approaching winter, when about 60% of the population depends on natural gas for heating. Some experts believe that the prosecution of Kudrytsky could serve as a “scapegoat“ in the event of serious power outages.
Senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and author of “Battlefield Ukraine“ Adrian Karatnytsky expressed concern about the direction of Zelensky's administration, noting that despite his courageous leadership during the war, there are worrying elements in his management practices.