Ukraine’s Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk resigned Wednesday following a corruption investigation into the country’s energy sector. Separately, Justice Minister German Galushchenko was suspended as authorities examine an alleged $100 million kickback scheme linked to state-run nuclear agency Energoatom.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau said five people have been detained and two others remain at large in connection with the operation, which allegedly sought to manipulate energy procurement across multiple state enterprises. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed Galushchenko’s suspension pending the investigation. Although he was not listed among the seven suspects, one of his advisors was reportedly implicated.
Galushchenko, who previously served as energy minister, wrote on Facebook that he viewed his suspension as “a civilized and appropriate scenario” and vowed to clear his name. A source familiar with the investigation said his voice was captured in a recorded conversation released by the anti-corruption bureau involving several suspects in the case.
