Dismissal of the Ukrainian Minister of Justice after a corruption scandal in the energy sector

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko announced on Wednesday the suspension of Justice Minister German Galoshenko, amid a corruption scandal in the country’s energy sector.

The village where the men disappeared: Ukrainians are hiding to escape the army and war
Crisis in energy and heating systems: Ukraine launches attacks, leaving more than 20,000 without power in Russia

The decision was made one day after the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (FEAC) accused Galushenko of involvement in the case, which allegedly occurred during the period he served as Energy Minister.

“The decision has been made to suspend German Galoshenko from his duties as Minister of Justice,” Sviridenko said.

Lula meets with Volodymyr Zelensky

President Lula and Ukrainian President Zelensky, at a meeting in New York – Photo: Ricardo Stockert/Presidency of Brazil

President Lula and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet at the UN General Assembly in New York – Photo: Ricardo Stockert/Presidency of Brazil

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the United Nations - Photo: AFP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks before the United Nations General Assembly - Photo: AFP — 4 of 6
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks before the United Nations General Assembly – Photo: AFP

President Lula during the opening speech of the United Nations General Assembly, in New York, on Tuesday - Photo: Ricardo Stuckert/PR — 5 out of 6
President Lula during the opening speech of the United Nations General Assembly, in New York, on Tuesday – Photo: Ricardo Stockert/PR

President of the Republic Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in New York. New York - Photography: Ricardo Stockert/PR — 6 of 6
President of the Republic Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in New York. New York – Photography: Ricardo Stockert/PR

The meeting with the Ukrainian president took place after Lula delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly

Galoshenko’s duties were assumed by Deputy Minister of European Integration Lyudmila Sojak.

On Tuesday, FEAC also brought charges against Timur Mendic, an ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been identified as the main coordinator of a US$100 million corruption scheme in the energy sector.

According to the organization, Galoshenko, who headed the Ministry of Energy for four years, received “personal benefits” from Mendic in exchange for influencing control of the sector’s financial resources.

The investigation comes to light at a time when Ukraine’s energy infrastructure suffers from daily attacks from Russia, increasing pressure on the government amid the war.