Businessmen Mindich and Zukerman sue President Zelenskyy over sanctions decree

Legal challenge against Ukraine's president by two entrepreneurs

According to Главком: Timur Mindich and Oleksandr Zukerman have filed a lawsuit against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, contesting a sanctions decree signed in November 2025. The penalties imposed on Mindich and Zukerman are set for three years, but one measure-the revocation of state awards of Ukraine-is indefinite. Both businessmen were placed on the sanctions list as citizens of Israel.

Ongoing investigation and sanctions context

As part of an investigation by Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), Mindich and Zukerman were charged in absentia in a corruption case involving the state-owned enterprise 'Energoatom'. Mindich, who left Ukraine and now resides in Israel, was added to the sanctions list by Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council. The Prosecutor General's Office has also sent an extradition request to Israel's Ministry of Justice regarding the two businessmen.

The Appeals Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court refused to overturn the suspicion notice issued to Mindich. In a comment, he stated:

“I would come to Ukraine today, receive the suspicion notice, and even go to prison if there were a fair bail amount. I just understand that they will now set a bail so high that I won't be able to raise it.”

This remark highlights the complexity of the businessman's situation amid corruption allegations and sanctions.

This case could have serious implications for Ukraine's international reputation, as it involves extradition issues and justice in the context of corruption crimes. Mindich's stated willingness to return to Ukraine underscores the importance of the legal system and the ability to defend one's rights, which may influence future court decisions and the response of state authorities. The situation surrounding the sanctions and corruption investigations also underscores the ongoing fight against corruption in Ukraine and its impact on the business climate.

The ongoing legal disputes surrounding sanctions are not isolated incidents. Recently, the NABU released recordings involving Defense Minister Umerov, shedding light on another significant case linked to corruption allegations in Ukraine. This context underscores the broader implications of legal accountability and transparency within the country, highlighting the challenges faced by authorities in tackling corruption effectively.