A political explosion has erupted in Kyiv. On 19 November, the Ukrainian parliament voted to dismiss Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk amid a massive corruption scandal in “Energoatom.” The events are unfloding at a moment when Russia is deliberately destroying Ukraine’s energy system.
The decision became the culmination of an investigation by Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies, which uncovered a large-scale corruption scheme in Energoatom. According to investigators, the suspects managed to “launder” $100 million. Some of the money was transferred to Russia, BBC reports.
Liudmyla Suhak, currently responsible for European integration, has been appointed as the acting head of the Ministry of Justice. Who will replace Hrynchuk remains unknown.
Scandalous ties that shocked parliament and the entire country
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demanded the dismissal of both ministers back on 12 November, stressing, “This is a matter of trust. If there are accusations, they must be answered.”
On 14 November, the fifth day after the publication of the “Midas” intercepted calls recordings, which have exposed the scheme, the president removed Hrynchuk and Halushchenko from the National Security and Defense Council.
Personal details also emerged in court, indicating that both officials engaged in relationships that went beyond their professional roles. The investigators claimed that Hrynchuk repeatedly spent the night at Halushchenko’s apartment. This occurred on the night of 23 July, on 28 July, and on the night of 12 August, as per TSN. Both officials are divorced. Hrynchuk denied these claims.
According to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, the scheme was organized by businessman and longtime Zelenskyy's associate Tymur Mindich, co-owner of “Kvartal 95.” Energoatom suppliers were required to pay a 10–15% kickback. Otherwise, they would simply not be allowed through the state company’s “checkpoint.”
The entire Ukraine waits as Zelenskyy announces further "decisive steps"
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy, currently on a visit to Turkiye, has announced important decisions upon his return to Ukraine.
“I am preparing several necessary legislative initiatives and principled, rapid decisions that our state needs," he says.
The Ukrainian leader has also ordered preparations for a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff. Discussions with the government, the Ukrainian parliament, and his Servant of the People faction are also planned.
At the same time, the High Anti-Corruption Court continues to consider preventive measures for the suspects. The entire country is watching as one of the largest anti-corruption cases of wartime unfolds.
Read also
-
Ukrainian opposition blocks parliament, demands entire government resign over $100M scheme involving Zelenskyy’s associate
-
Former CIA chief joins Ukrainian missile maker’s advisory board amid investigation into $100M scheme, involving Zelenskyy’s associate
-
ISW: Russian forces try to apply Pokrovsk-style tactics in Siversk and Lyman against Ukraine’s Fortress Belt
