EditPoroshenko escalates attack: demands full government resignation to “save Ukraine”
The former president called on MPs across factions to form a new professional, patriotic coalition government, rejecting loyalty-based appointments
Former President Petro Poroshenko intensified his assault on Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s administration Wednesday, declaring Ukraine engulfed in a “dangerous political storm” fuelled by the $100 million Energoatom graft scandal, warning that internal corruption now rivals Russian missiles as an existential threat and urging parliament to force the Cabinet’s immediate resignation.
If you need read one story about the ongoing $100 million corruption scandal, then this the story to read.
How ministers and Zelensky’s friend were receiving bribes and kickbacks from state-owned energy company’s subcontractors. And how it all unraveled.https://t.co/Dw0M1nw73s
— Oleksiy Sorokin (@mrsorokaa) November 12, 2025
In a fiery statement, Poroshenko – whose European Solidarity party already initiated no-confidence proceedings – insisted half-measures like sacking individual ministers “will not save the situation,” branding the crisis “Mindich-gate” a “betrayal of our soldiers” that demands full political accountability from the President’s Office and ruling majority.
“Chaos in the energy sector, embezzlement, corruption schemes and the loss of allies’ trust are as dangerous as Russian missiles and drones,” Poroshenko wrote. “Corruption is destroying the country from within… Only the resignation of the entire government is the minimum necessary step to show that the state mechanism is still capable of cleansing itself.”
He outlined three core challenges: repelling Russian occupiers (requiring weapons and trust in leadership), halting democratic backsliding (including restoring parliamentary authority to prevent Putin from exploiting any future elections), and eradicating “domestic corruption” that erodes domestic faith and international support.
Poroshenko called on MPs across factions to form a new professional, patriotic coalition government, rejecting loyalty-based appointments. “The scale of the public’s loss of trust… must not be underestimated,” he stressed. “Otherwise, we may be left alone against the enemy.”
Dismissing the office of the President’s pleas to delay until victory, Poroshenko countered: “We must act now – for the sake of Victory.”
The statement builds on European Solidarity’s parliamentary push following NABU’s 10 November “Operation Midas,” which exposed a shadow network laundering millions from Energoatom via kickbacks, with tapes implicating figures close to Zelenskyy, including fugitive businessman Timur Mindich—a pre-presidency partner codenamed “Karlson.”
As blackouts worsen after Russia’s massive 7-8 November strikes reduced generation to zero in affected regions, Poroshenko framed the scandal as compounding wartime suffering: diverted funds could have fortified the grid now leaving millions in darkness for 8-16 hours daily.
Zelenskyy has praised NABU’s actions and demanded punishment, while Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko dissolved Energoatom’s board and launched audits. Yet opposition accuses the leadership of shielding insiders, citing Mindich’s pre-raid escape and a curtailed July bid to curb anti-graft agencies.
With protests brewing and donor scrutiny mounting, Poroshenko’s call risks fracturing Servant of the People’s majority—unlikely to pass alone but signalling deepening wartime divisions. As he put it: “Throughout our history it was the Parliament that took responsibility in the most difficult times.”
This follows our earlier report on European Solidarity’s initial no-confidence motion amid the explosive revelations.
Poroshenko’s party demands Ukrainian government resignation amid explosive graft scandal
Caption: Petro Poroshenko in the office of his European Solidarity party [Website of European Solidarity]
Updated: November 13, 2025 - 07:47
