Zelensky is mentioned for the first time on the ‘Mindich tapes’ — two suspects in the corruption case discussed him

For the first time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appears on wiretap recordings of Tymur Mindich and members of his corruption scheme. The tapes confirm the head of state’s contact with the businessman on energy matters.

This was reported by SAPO prosecutor Serhii Savytskyi at a High Anti-Corruption Court hearing on the selection of a preventive measure for another figure in the “Mindich tapes” case—Ihor Myroniuk.

According to investigators, the president called Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko after Mindich sent Zelensky a message. Halushchenko asked what exactly Mindich had written to the president; he replied: “That Hera wants to talk to you.”

Halushchenko then asks Mindich: “And what am I supposed to do with him?”

Mindich answers: “Listen, Volodymyr Oleksandrovych, that’s all, you understand, it’s not exactly convenient for me to go be a janitor; I’ll do everything you say, everything you need, I’m yours…”

After that, Halushchenko got ready to go to Zelensky.

SAPO also said that the suspects in the embezzlement case in the energy sector discussed who had seen Zelensky, and when they last had contact with him.

Below is the full transcript of Mindich and Halushchenko’s exchange at the moment Zelensky (whose name is masked on the tapes) calls.

The episode begins with Halushchenko answering someone—judging by the context, the president.

Energy Minister: Hello, hello. Hi, *** hi. All right. Yes. Yes.
After this, “Karlson” (Mindich) joins the conversation.
Karlson: Should you drive over? No?
Energy Minister: Well, I’m on my way.
Shugarmen: And you said no one talks to you about anything. And look at that.
Karlson: Yeah, he read the text.
Energy Minister: And what did you write?
Karlson: That *** wants to talk to you.
Energy Minister: Come on.
Shugarmen: Not like that—summon ***.
Karlson: Not like that, sorry—how many times have I told you, summon ***.
Energy Minister: And what am I supposed to do with him?
Karlson: Listen, ***, that’s it—well, you understand, it’s not exactly convenient for me to go be a janitor; I’ll do everything you say, everything you need, I’m yours. Say “plus,” that’s it.

This conversation took place on July 14. And already on July 22, a bill to reduce NABU’s powers was adopted.