Key Takeaways
- President Zelenskyy demands removal of Justice and Energy Ministers over $100 million corruption scandal
- Anti-corruption agency detains 5, identifies 7 suspects in Energoatom kickback scheme
- Justice Minister suspended; investigation ongoing for 15 months
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for the dismissal of his justice and energy ministers amid a major corruption scandal involving the state nuclear power company Energoatom. The dramatic move comes as anti-corruption authorities uncover a $100 million kickback scheme in Ukraine’s energy sector.
“A Matter of Trust”
In a video message posted on Telegram, Zelenskyy urged Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko to remove Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk from their positions. “Among other things, this is a matter of trust,” the president stated, calling on parliament members to support the decision.
Widespread Corruption Investigation
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau has detained five individuals and identified seven other suspects in what appears to be an extensive corruption network. The investigation targets alleged kickbacks worth approximately $100 million within the energy sector.
Suspects include a businessman described as the mastermind, a former adviser to the energy minister, and an Energoatom executive. Eight people now face charges including bribery, abuse of office, and holding disproportionate assets.
Minister Suspended Amid Probe
Prime Minister Svyrydenko confirmed that Justice Minister Halushchenko would be suspended during the investigation. Halushchenko responded on Facebook, stating he intends to defend himself in court. “I believe that being suspended for the duration of the investigation is a civilized and proper course of action,” he wrote.
Halushchenko previously served as energy minister from 2021 until July before transitioning to lead the justice ministry. Deputy Justice Minister Liudmyla Suhak will serve as acting minister during his suspension.
Zelenskyy’s Anti-Corruption Stance
President Zelenskyy described illegal schemes in Ukraine’s energy sector as “absolutely not normal” and announced sanctions against two individuals involved, though he didn’t disclose their names. The president has supported the 15-month investigation and urged all officials to cooperate fully.
Local media reports identify Timur Mindich, a close associate of Zelenskyy, as the alleged ringleader behind the corruption scheme. Energoatom has confirmed that its operations remain unaffected by the ongoing probe.
