President Zelensky requested and accepted the resignations of Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Hryshchuk amid a NABU investigation into alleged corruption tied to state nuclear operator Energoatom. NABU has charged eight people with bribery, abuse of office and illicit enrichment, and audio recordings released in the case reference possible kickbacks. Businessman Timur Mindich has been named by investigators as an alleged organizer but has not been formally charged. Lyudmila Suhak was appointed acting justice minister while probes continue.
Two Top Ukrainian Ministers Resign as Energoatom Corruption Probe Widens
Two ministers step down amid Energoatom corruption investigation
Nov. 12 (UPI) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday requested and accepted the resignations of Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Hryshchuk after their offices became the focus of a government corruption probe tied to state nuclear operator Energoatom.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed both ministers have left their posts while the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) continues a wide-ranging investigation. The move followed public pressure and allegations revealed during court hearings and anti-corruption actions.
"The decision to remove them from office is an operational one, the quickest possible," Zelensky said, adding that corruption in the energy sector is unacceptable amid ongoing wartime hardships, power outages and Russian attacks.
NABU has been investigating Halushchenko as part of a probe into alleged irregularities at Energoatom. Prosecutors reported that audio recordings released as part of the case contain talk of code names and possible kickbacks. On Tuesday, NABU charged eight people with bribery, abuse of office and illicit enrichment.
An anti-corruption prosecutor told a hearing that Hryshchuk spent three nights in Halushchenko's apartment in July and August. Hryshchuk has publicly denied any wrongdoing. Halushchenko said on Facebook that he agreed to be suspended during the investigation and pledged to defend himself in court.
The probe reportedly involves businessman Timur Mindich, a one-time business partner of President Zelensky; Mindich has not been formally charged. NABU named him as the alleged organizer of the scheme, and reporting notes that he co-owns Kvartal 95, the production company founded by Zelensky.
Following the resignations, the Cabinet named Lyudmila Suhak, deputy justice minister for European integration, as acting justice minister, the prime minister said on Telegram. The government said the changes are intended to ensure stability while investigations proceed.
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Investigators are expected to continue questioning suspects, review released audio recordings, and determine whether additional charges will follow. The administration said it will prioritize transparency and accountability in the energy sector during the probe.
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