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In a video message posted on his Telegram channel, Zelenskyy urged the PM to dismiss Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk
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Zelenskyy urged the dismissal of Justice Minister Halushchenko and Energy Minister Grynchuk due to a corruption scandal at Energoatom. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau detained five people and identified seven suspects in a $100 million kickback scheme.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (AFP file photo)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday called for the removal of Ukraine’s justice and energy ministers amid a major corruption scandal linked to the state nuclear power company, Energoatom.
“Among other things, this is a matter of trust,” Zelenskyy said in a video message posted on his Telegram channel, urging the prime minister to dismiss Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk. He also called on members of parliament to back the decision.
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The announcement came shortly after Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau revealed that it had detained five individuals and identified seven other suspects in a sprawling investigation involving alleged kickbacks worth around $100 million in the energy sector. The suspects reportedly include a businessman considered the mastermind, a former adviser to the energy minister, and an executive with Energoatom.
The anti-corruption agency also named eight people facing charges of bribery, abuse of office, and holding disproportionate assets. The investigation, which has been ongoing for 15 months, has been supported by Zelenskyy, who urged all officials to cooperate. Energoatom has confirmed that its operations have not been affected by the probe.
Zelenskyy described any illegal schemes in the country’s energy sector as “absolutely not normal” and announced he would issue sanctions against two individuals involved, though he did not disclose their names.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said Halushchenko would be suspended from his post. In response, Halushchenko stated on Facebook that 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 said.
During his tenure, Halushchenko served as energy minister from 2021 until July before taking over the justice ministry. Deputy Minister of Justice for European Integration, Liudmyla Suhak, will assume his responsibilities as acting minister.
Local media reports suggest that Timur Mindich, a close associate of Zelenskyy, is alleged to be the ringleader behind the corruption scheme and is among those charged.
(With inputs from AP)
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…
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First Published:
November 12, 2025, 20:40 IST
News world ‘Matter Of Trust’: Zelenskyy Calls For Removal Of Cabinet Ministers Over Corruption Scandal
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