Europe Asia News

Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said on Wednesday, “This morning, the government held an extraordinary meeting. It was decided that German Galushchenko would no longer perform the duties of the Minister of Justice.”

The decision came after anti-corruption agencies intensified an investigation into what they described as a “large-scale” bribery and money-laundering scheme involving senior energy officials.

Ukrainian authorities have charged seven individuals in connection with the case, which has caused public outrage and renewed scrutiny of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s efforts to root out corruption.

Galushchenko, who previously served as Energy Minister, was reportedly sought by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) on Monday.

On Wednesday, Galushchenko said he had spoken with Svyrydenko and fully agreed with the government’s decision. “I believe that temporary suspension during the investigation is a civil and correct scenario. I will defend myself within the law and prove my position,” he said.

Deputy Minister of Justice for European Integration, Lyudmila Suhak, will temporarily assume his duties.

NABU and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) said on Tuesday that a former deputy prime minister, nicknamed “Che Guevara,” was also involved in the conspiracy, with evidence of illegal cash transfers exceeding $1.2 million.

The raids took place two days after Russia launched its largest-ever attack on Ukraine’s energy system, including nuclear power plants and substations, damaging the generation capacity of the operator Centreenergo.

As prolonged power outages continue nationwide, authorities are working to restore electricity, and Ukrainians are questioning whether energy facilities are adequately protected from Russian strikes.