CPC: Oligarchs control over a third of gas licences in Ukraine

Private enterprises hold 200 special permits for the use of hydrocarbon subsurface resources in Ukraine. According to the Centre for Countering Corruption (CPC), this accounts for 33.61% of the total number of such documents. Analysts noted that approximately 20 of these permits provide for operations in temporarily occupied territories.

The Zlochevsky family's lead

Among the 117 special permits analysed, the family of Mykola Zlochevsky holds the largest share — 37 documents. Mykola Zlochevsky previously worked in state bodies that issue licences for subsurface development, and during Viktor Yanukovych's presidency, he held the position of Minister of Ecology. After ending his state career, his family acquired gas assets.

In 2023, the High Anti-Corruption Court found Zlochevsky guilty in a bribery case. He reached a plea deal with the investigation and transferred UAH 500 million to the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The family's companies are controlled through a number of structures by his daughters, Anna and Karina, who hold Cypriot citizenship. In 2025, Danylo Hetmantsev, head of the parliamentary committee on financial issues, reported on the preparation of an appeal to the National Security and Defence Council regarding the revision and audit of subsurface resources granted for use.

Assets of other oligarchs

The Kozitsky family controls 21 special permits. Zynoviy Kozitsky, the father of Maksym Kozitsky, head of the Lviv Regional Military Administration, is the owner of the "Zakhidnaftaservis" group. He controls eight permits individually, and another 11 jointly with Czech billionaire Karel Komárek. Two other permits belong to him together with co-owners, including Vitaliy Antonov — the owner of the "OKKO" gas station chain.

Viktor Pinchuk, whom the CPC calls the second richest person in Ukraine after Rinat Akhmetov, controls 14 special permits for gas-bearing subsurface resources in Ivano-Frankivsk, Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Chernihiv regions. Two permits — for the Vysochanske and Zaitsevskoye deposits — are located in the temporarily occupied territory of Luhansk region.

Rinat Akhmetov has 10 special permits through controlled companies. Seven of them relate to hydrocarbon exploration in Poltava and Kharkiv regions. He acquired three permits already during Russia's full-scale invasion. Another three extraction permits belong to JSC "Naftogazvydobuvannya", which the businessman controls.

The history of Katsuba and Butkevych

Oleksandr Katsuba has nine special permits. In 2012–2014, he was the deputy head of "Naftogaz" and one of the participants in the case concerning the purchase of the so-called Boyko towers — oil drilling rigs acquired at inflated prices. Katsuba reached a plea deal with the investigation and was released after paying a fine of $3.5 million.

In early 2026, Katsuba registered the business of his ex-wife and father-in-law in his name, including the company "Nadra-geoinvest". According to media reports, in 2023 this group entered the top three largest private gas producers in Ukraine.

Hennadiy Butkevych, owner of the "ATB" supermarket chain, is associated with six special permits. Five of them belong to his companies and relate to plots in Kharkiv and Odesa regions. The sixth permit — for the Siverskodonets area in the temporarily occupied Luhansk region — is indirectly associated with him. The beneficial owner of the owning company is listed as the chairman of the board of directors of BGV Group Management, founded by Butkevych.

The situation with Vadym Novynsky

Another six special permits are associated with Vadym Novynsky — the founder of Smart Holding, who is under sanctions for aiding Russia. In August 2025, he announced the cessation of investments in Ukrainian gas subsurface resources.

Before the imposition of sanctions, Novynsky transferred his business to other individuals. According to CPC data, the Ministry of Justice recognised them as similar to nominal owners, after which Novynsky was forcibly returned to the registers as a beneficial owner.

Currently, he is listed as the beneficial owner of companies that hold three extraction permits in Kharkiv and Poltava regions. Another permit relates to the Azov shelf, where Novynsky has joint interests with Ruben Zakaryan. In addition, he is associated with two permits of the company "Regal Petroleum Corporation", which is part of the structure of British Enwell Energy. Until December 2022, Novynsky was the beneficial owner of the latter.