Ukrainian authorities have charged seven people in relation to an alleged $US100 million kickback scheme involving senior energy officials that has caused public anger and focused attention on Kyiv's battle against corruption.

Ukraine is under pressure to crack down on graft as it seeks European Union membership and courts critical financial support from Western partners while fending off massive Russian attacks on its energy system.

Accusations of kickbacks in the energy sector are particularly sensitive with the broader public, which is facing lengthy daily blackouts across much of the country even before cold winter temperatures set in.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine said in a statement it had detained five suspects and identified two others in a plot to control procu

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