Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed two ministers amid serious allegations of corruption within the country’s energy sector. The officials affected are Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Vitalina Grynychuk. Both are accused of being involved in a bribery network reportedly worth at least $100 million.
In addition to the two ministers, Zelensky has imposed personal sanctions on his close friend and former business partner, Tymur Mindich, who is alleged to have coordinated the bribery operation. Mindich, who previously co-founded Zelensky’s media company, is believed to have fled to Israel before investigators could search his apartment in Kyiv. Sources suggest that the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine created a rift between Zelensky and Mindich, who had formerly been a close ally.
Addressing public outrage over the corruption allegations, Zelensky stated, “There must be absolute transparency in all activities within the energy sector. I fully support law enforcement agencies and anti-corruption officials in every investigation.” He added that holding lawbreakers to account is essential, especially at a time when Ukrainians are enduring power shortages, Russian attacks, and widespread devastation. “In the midst of so many challenges, corruption in the energy sector is utterly unacceptable,” he said.
The move is widely seen as a politically difficult decision for Zelensky, who has been urged by anti-corruption activists, opposition leaders, and former military officials to take decisive action against wrongdoing, even among his closest associates. Both ministers have denied any wrongdoing, but the government insists that transparency and accountability remain a top priority.
