The Trump administration has not publicly addressed a growing corruption scandal involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's government. This week, a $100 million corruption investigation was announced, resulting in the resignations of senior officials. Corruption has historically strained U.S.–Ukraine relations, notably when the Trump administration withheld approximately $400 million in military aid in 2019 due to concerns over corruption. At that time, Trump’s associates sought information on Joe Biden, who was vice president under Barack Obama, while Biden's son, Hunter, held a lucrative position at the Ukrainian energy firm Burisma.

As vice president, Joe Biden threatened to withhold $1 billion in U.S. loan guarantees unless Ukraine dismissed prosecutor Viktor Shokin, who was accused by Western governments of failing to pursue corruption cases. Shokin later claimed his dismissal was due to his investigation into Burisma, a claim disputed by U.S. and European officials.

On November 12, 2025, Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk resigned amid the scandal. Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies, including the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP), conducted a 15-month investigation dubbed 'Operation Midas,' which involved extensive wiretapping. The investigation revealed a kickback scheme where contractors for the state-owned nuclear company Energoatom allegedly paid bribes totaling around $100 million to secure government contracts. The alleged ringleader, Timur Mindich, a close associate of Zelenskyy, fled Ukraine shortly before investigators executed a search warrant at his residence.

Both Halushchenko and Grynchuk resigned at Zelenskyy's request, and several individuals have been arrested or placed under suspicion. NABU has indicated that some of the laundered funds were intended for equipment to protect energy facilities from Russian missile attacks, highlighting the dual challenges of corruption and ongoing military aggression.

Zelenskyy, who campaigned on anti-corruption promises, has publicly supported the investigation, emphasizing the need for effective action against corruption. However, he faced criticism earlier this year for proposing increased presidential oversight of independent anti-corruption agencies, a plan he later abandoned. As the conflict continues, some citizens express concern that Zelenskyy is increasingly dependent on a small inner circle, potentially undermining democratic checks and balances.

The European Commission has acknowledged Ukraine's efforts to combat corruption but warned that insufficient progress could hinder its aspirations to join the European Union. Reports of political pressure on anti-corruption entities have raised doubts about Ukraine's commitment to reform, underscoring the importance of maintaining integrity in governance during times of crisis.