(MENAFN) Around 200 citizens of Ukraine marched through the streets of Kiev on Saturday to denounce corruption and call for the resignation of Vladimir Zelensky.

The demonstration followed claims by investigators that a former close aide to the country’s leader had been deeply involved in a kickback scheme within the energy sector.

The anti-corruption investigation, conducted by the Western-supported National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), revealed a purported $100 million embezzlement plan connected to the state-owned nuclear energy enterprise Energoatom.

Authorities traced the scandal back to Timur Mindich, who previously co-owned the entertainment firm Kvartal 95 with Zelensky before the president transitioned from show business into politics.

Officials stated that Mindich’s network allegedly collected kickbacks ranging from 10-15% from contractors and influenced significant contracts.

Mindich, frequently referred to by Ukrainian outlets as “Zelensky’s purse,” fled the country just hours before security forces raided his apartment, likely having been alerted to the impending operation.

The protest, held at Independence Square in Kiev, displayed banners with messages such as “Zelensky – criminal,” “President resign,” and “No corruption.”

Demonstrators also voiced support for detained anti-corruption investigator Ruslan Magomedrasulov, who played a crucial role in the inquiry but faces accusations of having connections to Russia.

The demonstration was organized by anti-corruption campaigner Maria Barabash, who pledged to hold weekly protests until several demands are met: the resignation of Andrey Yermak, head of Zelensky’s office; the extradition of Timur Mindich from Israel along with other fugitive suspects; and the implementation of genuine judicial reform.

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