In a significant development, Ukraine has suspended its Justice Minister, Herman Halushchenko, following his alleged involvement in a sprawling corruption scandal linked to the state nuclear power company, Energoatom. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko on Wednesday, marking a critical step in the country’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts. The suspension comes on the heels of a major investigation by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), which has detained five individuals and identified seven others suspected of orchestrating a $100 million graft scheme in the energy sector. Among the accused are a prominent businessman believed to be the mastermind, a former advisor to the energy minister, and a high-ranking executive at Energoatom. Additionally, eight individuals face charges of bribery, abuse of office, and possession of disproportionate assets. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly supported the investigation, urging full cooperation from officials. Halushchenko, who served as energy minister from 2021 until his appointment as justice minister in July, has not been formally charged but has vowed to defend himself in court. Deputy Minister of Justice for European Integration, Liudmyla Suhak, will assume his duties as acting minister. The scandal has also implicated Timur Mindich, a close associate of Zelenskyy, who is reportedly among those charged. Despite the investigation, Energoatom has assured that its operations remain unaffected.
Ukraine suspends justice minister over corruption probe involving top figures close to Zelenskyy
