Ukrainian coal trader Dmytro Kovalenko imported 800 tonnes of Russian fuel, was detained by the ESB — but the case was “buried” without result

30 March 2026 , 13:28

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Ukrainian coal trader Dmytro Kovalenko imported 800 tonnes of Russian fuel, was detained by the ESB — but the case was “buried” without result

The vessel RUBIKON 9 arrived at the port of Reni on December 20, 2023, transporting diesel fuel that had been loaded in Constanța, Romania.

This was reported by Antikor.

The cargo belonged to LLC «Interenergotrading» (code 43661083). The fuel was purchased from the Serbian company «Euronova», and transshipment was carried out at the base of LLC «Ukrchem». Law enforcement blocked the sale of about 800 tons due to suspicion of Russian origin.

After that, the license of LLC «Interenergotrading» was revoked, which led to buyers refusing the fuel. It was transported for storage to the oil depots of LLC «Naftogrupa-2005», LLC «Master-Avia», LLC «Nemyriv naftobaza», LLC «TVK Dio Plast Ukraina» and PE «Octan».

According to available information, the remaining fuel is currently being mixed with gas condensate and sold under the so-called second form. According to registers, LLC «Interenergotrading» belongs to Yevhen Klymenko — a partner in the coal business of Dmytro Kovalenko (Adelon AG, Switzerland and Polska Grupa Importowa Premium Sp. z o.o., Poland). These structures were previously linked to coal supplies and possible cooperation with Russian «Sibantratsyt» and «Kuzbassugol», as well as supplies to occupied territories.

The enterprise is classified as high-risk, a criminal proceeding has been opened in the ESB. Kovalenko was detained, however, there are no public results of the investigation — the reasons for the absence of the case are not disclosed.

According to unofficial information, on the instructions of Yevhen Sokur, an order was given to «withdraw» the case — essentially to close the investigation.

James Smith

Editor-in-Chief