Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has directed his government to initiate personnel changes at several key state agencies, including those overseeing energy regulation and the management of seized Russian assets, according to a statement released today.
Zelenskyy instructed the government to swiftly submit a bill to the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, to revamp the National Commission for State Regulation of Energy and Public Utilities (NKREKU). The move comes as Ukraine continues to navigate the challenges of maintaining energy security amid the ongoing conflict. He also called for changes in leadership at the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspection and the State Energy Supervision Inspection.
In addition to the regulatory changes, Zelenskyy has asked Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko to nominate a new head for the State Property Fund of Ukraine to parliament. The appointment is intended to streamline the management of state-owned assets.
A significant focus of the overhaul is the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA). Zelenskyy emphasized the need for a “complete reboot” of the agency and the completion of a competition to appoint a new director by the end of the year. The agency plays a crucial role in managing assets seized from individuals linked to Russia.
Zelenskyy also ordered an audit of assets belonging to Russian entities and collaborators who have fled to Russia. These assets, he stated, should be quickly prepared for sale, with the proceeds dedicated to strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities and bolstering the national budget. “All such objects must work one hundred percent in the interests of Ukraine, to ensure our defense and fill the budget of Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.
The directive underscores Ukraine’s efforts to leverage seized assets to fund its war effort and rebuild its economy as the conflict with Russia continues.
