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Ukraine Suspends Justice Minister Over $100M Energoatom Corruption Scandal
Ukraine’s Justice Minister German Galushchenko suspended amid allegations of a $100M corruption scheme at state-run Energoatom. Deputy Minister Lyudmyla Sugak to take over.
MH
by Muhammad Hashir
2025-11-12
Ukraine Suspends Justice Minister Over $100M Energoatom Corruption Scandal

Ukraine has suspended Justice Minister German Galushchenko over allegations of his involvement in a massive corruption scandal linked to the state-run nuclear power company, Energoatom. The suspension was announced on Wednesday by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, who said Deputy Justice Minister for European Integration Lyudmyla Sugak will temporarily assume Galushchenko’s duties.

Galushchenko, who served as energy minister for four years before being appointed justice minister in July, is accused of profiting from a scheme that laundered funds from Energoatom, Ukraine’s specialized anti-corruption prosecutors said. According to the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), businessman Timur Mindich, a close ally of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, orchestrated the alleged $100 million scheme. Investigators claim that Galushchenko assisted Mindich in managing illicit financial flows, while contractors were reportedly forced to pay kickbacks of 10–15% to avoid losing contracts or facing payment delays.

The scandal has serious implications, as Ukraine continues to face power outages caused by Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure. Allegations of corruption in the energy sector are particularly sensitive given the country’s ongoing crisis.

Galushchenko issued a statement saying he would defend himself in court and agreed that his suspension is appropriate during the investigation. “A political decision must be made, and only then can all the details be sorted out. I believe that suspension for the duration of the investigation is a civilized and correct scenario. I will defend myself in court and prove my position,” he said.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation on Monday, urging full cooperation with the anticorruption inquiry and stating that anyone implicated must be held accountable, emphasizing the importance of maintaining transparency ahead of Ukraine’s European Union membership bid, where tackling corruption remains a critical requirement.

The scandal also comes months after Zelenskyy reversed attempts to curb the independence of key anticorruption bodies, including SAPO and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, following nationwide protests.
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Ukraine

corruption

Energoatom

Galushchenko
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