“Mindich’s tapes”: instructions to the defense minister, estates for the elite and millions for drones — a new high-profile scandal

Journalists released a new part of the so-called “Mindich tapes” — intercepted conversations that may indicate behind-the-scenes agreements, influence on state decisions and shadow financial flows within the corridors of power. The recordings feature high-ranking officials, including the then Minister of Defence, discussions of defence contracts, construction of elite estates and even personnel matters.

“UP published earlier an otherwise unknown part of the so-called Mindich tapes – conversations intercepted in July 2025 of the suspects in the corruption case at Energoatom involving top officials. They consist of three conversations Mindich held on different days in July 2025: with former first presidential adviser Serhii Shefir, with Natalia, who is involved in building estates – likely the cooperative “Dynasty” – and with Rustem Umerov, who at that time was the Minister of Defence.”

The first part of the recordings concerns the conversation with former first presidential adviser Serhii Shefir. It discusses the situation around Oleksii Chernyshov, who at that time had already been notified of suspicion of illegal enrichment but remained in office. The talk covered possible participation in posting bail, which amounted to UAH 120 million, and also the so-called “cash fund”. The conversations mention other individuals as well, likely Members of Parliament, who may have been handing over part of their incomes.

The second part of the recordings shifts attention to the construction of elite estates in the “Dynasty” cooperative. Mindich, together with a woman named Natalia, discusses construction details: what work needs to be done to preserve the sites, how the territory will be arranged, which trees will be planted and even the construction of a bathhouse. The conversation mentions houses for several people, among whom high-ranking officials are named. According to journalists, these properties began to be built even before the full-scale war, and work was later continued.

The most sensational was the third conversation — with the then Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov. In it Mindich discusses defence expenditures, international contacts and business. In particular, significant sums are mentioned — tens of billions of hryvnias spent on missiles and other army needs. The talk also refers to investments in the production of long-range strike drones models FP-1, FP-5 and FP-7.

The recordings also raise the topic of a possible sale of a stake in a defence company: a deal of $600 million for 33% of the business is discussed, with half intended for development and the other half as payouts to the owners.

Particular attention is drawn to a moment where Mindich effectively gives instructions to the minister regarding the issue with body armour. It concerns products that the state refused to accept due to non-compliance with requirements. According to the investigation, a company linked to Mindich may have attempted to supply Chinese body armour disguised as Israeli, but the military did not accept them.

The conversations also cover personnel matters, salaries of certain individuals, international trips and contacts with partners in the USA, the UAE and Europe. A woman named Masha is mentioned, whom journalists associate with the state investment sphere.

Following the release of these recordings, the political reaction was swift: Rustem Umerov was summoned to the Verkhovna Rada for explanations. At the same time, he stated that he was not under the influence of any outside persons and that all decisions were made within his authority. According to him, the contract for the body armour was terminated due to the products not meeting standards.

The scandal around the “Mindich tapes” is already being called one of the loudest in recent times, as it raises questions about possible informal influence on the defence sector, use of state funds and links between business and authorities during the war.