The publication "Ukrainska Pravda" has released a new part of the so-called "Mindich tapes" - recordings of conversations that, according to the publication, were intercepted as part of an investigation into a corruption case at "Energoatom." The new fragments feature then-Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, former First Assistant to the President Serhiy Shefir, former Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov, as well as discussions regarding the supply of bulletproof vests, business matters, and the construction of estates. This was reported by UP, according to UNN.
Details
According to the publication, the recordings consist of three separate conversations dated various days in July 2025. They were voiced by investigative journalist Mykhailo Tkach in a video on UP's YouTube channel.
The material claims that part of these transcripts were allegedly attached to procedural documents in the case involving more than ten figures in Operation "Midas."
Conversation with Umerov and the issue of bulletproof vests
One of the episodes was a conversation between Mindich and then-Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov. According to UP's version, the interlocutors first discussed large defense contracts, financing, and international contacts.
"Well, I mean, 5–6 yards for missiles - that's a lot, brother. I understand everything, but it's a lot,"
After this, according to UP, Mindich moved on to the issue of bulletproof vests that the state is not accepting, and asked for assistance in resolving the situation.
"Just let them sign the acceptance. It's one call for you. Just say: 'I don't want to hear from Timur about bulletproof vests anymore, and I meet with him twice a week,'"
"Regarding the bulletproof vests, we were just in finance. Honestly, I didn't get that far,"
Also in this conversation, according to the publication's version, the parties discussed the company Fire Point. Specifically, a possible sale of 33% of the business for 600 million, half of which was to go toward the company's development, and the rest to the shareholders.
Shefir, Chernyshov, and the "slush fund"
Another fragment, dated June 30, 2025, concerns a conversation between Mindich and the former First Assistant to the President, Serhiy Shefir.
According to UP's claim, the interlocutors discussed the case of Oleksiy Chernyshov, who at that time had already been notified of suspicion of illicit enrichment. In particular, there were talks about a possible bail and an unofficial "slush fund."
UP reminds that Chernyshov's bail amounted to 120 million hryvnias, half of which was paid by a company from Dnipro.
The conversation also mentioned Kisel and Sova - presumably People's Deputies who allegedly passed part of their income to Shefir.
Houses for "Mindich, Andriy, and Vova"
A separate recording concerns a conversation between Mindich and a woman named Nataliia. According to UP's version, she could have been involved in the construction of objects for the "Dynasty" cooperative.
In the conversation, the parties allegedly discussed the mothballing of construction, what work needs to be completed, as well as several houses belonging to different owners.
As Mykhailo Tkach stated in the video, the following follows from the conversation:
"As of now, we have Vova's house, Andriy's, Chernyshov's house, and Mindich's house,"
The publication does not provide official confirmation of exactly who these objects belong to.
Reaction of the figures involved
UP reports that it reached out to Rustem Umerov for comment. In response, his press service stated that it does not comment on fragments of texts whose authenticity has not been confirmed by anything.
Mindich, according to the publication, stated that he is ready to answer any questions after being questioned by the NABU, and called the information regarding Fire Point an attempt to discredit the company.
"Ukrainska Pravda" announced the publication of the next parts of the recordings.
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