Zelensky Mentioned for the First Time in the “Mindich Tapes.”

The so-called “Mindich tapes” mention President Volodymyr Zelensky for the first time, confirming his contact with the businessman on energy matters. At a court hearing in the case of another suspect, Ihor Myroniuk, a Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office representative said that after receiving a message from Mindich, the president called Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko.

According to the prosecutor, Halushchenko asked Zelensky what exactly Mindich had written and received the reply: “That Hera wants to talk to you.” The minister then asked Mindich, “So what should I do with him?”, to which Mindich replied: “Listen, Volodymyr Oleksandrovych, you understand, it’s not exactly fitting for me to become a janitor either; I’ll do whatever you say, whatever you need — I’m yours…” After that, Halushchenko was reportedly preparing to go see the president.

Prosecutors also noted that those involved in the alleged embezzlement scheme discussed among themselves who had seen Zelensky and when they last spoke with him. Earlier rumors suggested the president’s voice might be heard on the recordings. The tapes have not been made public yet, but their release has not been ruled out. In Ukraine, many doubt the idea that Zelensky’s close associate Tymur Mindich could have orchestrated such large-scale corruption schemes without the president’s knowledge.