An MP published new “Mindich tapes” featuring conversations involving Umerov

Yaroslav Zhelezniak, a lawmaker from the Holos faction, has published what he says is another batch of audio recordings of conversations between businessman Tymur Mindych and National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, who at the time of the recordings was serving as defense minister.

The corresponding video was published on the politician’s YouTube channel.

In one episode dated July 8, 2025, the voices on the recording discuss replacing Umerov in the new composition of the Cabinet of Ministers. Umerov recounts his conversation with President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which possible candidates were discussed, including Mykhailo Fedorov. However, Mindych rejected him. This fragment had also been published by Oleksii Honcharenko, a lawmaker from European Solidarity.

According to Zhelezniak, the parties also discussed the candidacy of Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. His name is not mentioned on the recording, but Zhelezniak drew that conclusion from the context. Mindych says that his appointment “would be a f***ing disaster.” Umerov asks whether he would be better than “Shmyha” (Denys Shmyhal was ultimately appointed defense minister). Mindych and Umerov laugh about the fact that “both are geniuses.” Umerov asks with whom it would be “easier” for Mindych, and he replies: “With neither one, only with you.”

In another episode, they discuss the appointment of an ambassador to the United States, again mentioning Shmyhal. Umerov says, apparently to Zelensky: “But he isn’t your guy.” Zelensky replies that Herman (Galushchenko) is also good. Umerov agrees: “Mentally he’s the closest.” The parties then discuss the candidacy of Olha Stefanishyna, who ultimately did become ambassador. Mindych says: “That’s bulls***, she’s got a suspicion notice.” Umerov thinks that “she won’t be able to do it.” Mindych proposes sending Svitlana Hrynchuk to the U.S. “for the old man” (Donald Trump), because “the old man will meet with her.” The participants then say that “he wants to control that turf.” In Zhelezniak’s view, this refers to Andriy Yermak. The voices on the recording also mention that the ambassador will have to negotiate “with grown-ups” and “meet with the Russians.”

Mindych says that Yulia — apparently Svyrydenko, who became prime minister — “for all her fing awesomeness, the team being assembled is completely fed, it’s a shame that no one will be dealing with the economy.”

They then discuss a certain “Project 23.” In Zhelezniak’s view, this could be a common fund for people around the president. The voices mention that “there’s no need with Rheinmetall” (the German arms concern). Umerov asks: “Is it registered in your name? Or better to do it through business, set up a JV with it, but you represent the interests.” Mindych reacts by saying that “won’t work,” because he only has 200 in cash — “why the f*** would he need that?” It is unclear who they are talking about, but the parties joke that this person “bears no expenses at all” and probably even has his driver paid for by the state. So they appear to be talking about some official.

It should be noted that Zhelezniak is regarded as a lawmaker close to NABU and SAPO, as is Ukrainska Pravda, which earlier published the first part of the recordings. That means the likely source of the leak is the anti-corruption bodies themselves.