Ukraine Reforms Tracker Weekly — Issue 42
Editor’s note: This is issue 42 of Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak’s weekly "Ukraine Reforms Tracker" covering events from Nov. 17–30, 2025. The digest highlights steps taken in the Ukrainian parliament related to business, economics, and international financial programs.
IMF benchmarks and soft commitments
Ukrainian lawmakers signal weak support for 2026 budget
At Monday’s Conciliation Council, no parliamentary faction except the ruling Servant of the People expressed readiness to back Ukraine’s 2026 state budget. Even within the governing party, support is described as shaky, with insiders estimating the faction may be able to muster only around 120 votes — far short of the majority needed for passage.
The budget impasse comes against the backdrop of a deepening confrontation between parliament and the government. Tensions have escalated following revelations of alleged corruption in the energy sector involving businessman Timur Mindich — a figure seen as close to the Presidential Office – as well as two former cabinet ministers, Herman Halushchenko and Svitlana Hrynchuk.
Ukraine launches the selection process for a new head of customs service
On Nov. 10, 2025, Ukraine’s Selection Commission for appointing the head of the State Customs Service approved the competition procedure and endorsed the formal announcement to launch the hiring process.
The deadline for submitting applications is Dec. 10, 2025 with the appointment expected in spring 2026.
Obligations to the EU
Ukrainian parliament to сonsider two Ukraine Facility bills in early December
The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, plans to take up two draft laws tied to the EU’s Ukraine Facility financial program during its plenary sessions scheduled for Dec. 2-4:
- draft law #14067 to support the development of efficient and sustainable district heating systems;
- draft law #14174 and alternatives concern the safety and interoperability of Ukraine’s railway sector.
Other key issues
Zelensky announces Yermak’s resignation after anti-graft raids
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said late on Nov. 28 that Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak had submitted his resignation, with a dismissal decree published shortly after.
Earlier that day, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office searched Yermak’s premises in Kyiv’s government district. According to Financial Times reporter Christopher Miller, the raids were part of Operation Midas, a sweeping probe into alleged corruption in Ukraine’s energy sector.
Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies on Nov. 10 detailed allegations against what they describe as a criminal organization involving former top officials and business figures. According to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, the group included ex-Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko, former Regional Development Minister Oleksii Chernyshov, and Timur Mindich, a businessman viewed as close to the Presidential Office — among several others.
Investigators say the network systematically solicited kickbacks from contractors of state-owned nuclear operator Energoatom, typically amounting to 10–15% of contract value. Companies allegedly paid to avoid blocked payments for delivered goods and services or to preserve their supplier status.
Law enforcement agencies say the kickback proceeds were laundered through a Kyiv office linked to the family of Andrii Derkach, a former Ukrainian lawmaker who is now a senator in the Russian Federation.
President Zelensky subsequently approved National Security and Defense Council sanctions against Mindich and businessman Oleksandr Tsukerman.
On Nov. 19, the Verkhovna Rada voted to dismiss two ministers implicated in the scandal — Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk and Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko who previously held a minister position at the Energy Ministry.
