KYIV – Ukrainian lawmakers on Wednesday dismissed two ministers who participated in an important investigation into… corruption They called for stronger measures to restore confidence in the country’s leadership, in the biggest political crisis facing the president Volodymyr Zelensky In times of war.
Investigation into an alleged conspiracy 100 million dollars To control staffing at the state nuclear agency He sparked renewed anger over rampant corruption, even within President Zelensky’s inner circle.
Parliament votes to dismiss the Minister of Justice german galoshenko, Who served as Minister of Energy from 2021 until this year, and was succeeded by the Minister of Energy, Svetlana Hrynchuk. Both deny any wrongdoing in the case. Galoshenko was suspended from work last week over the same issue.
On Tuesday evening, the court ordered extending the detention of a former deputy prime minister on charges related to the case. previously, Five people were arrested and two fugitive suspects were referred. They include a co-owner of the production company for the series that catapulted Zelensky to fame as a TV star before his election in 2019.
The opposition forces demanded a stronger response to the scandal that shook the political class in Kyiv. Including the dismissal of the influential Chief of Staff Andrei Yermak.
After the scandal in the energy sector, Zelensky will carry out an operation Supreme Council On Thursday, he will meet with senior parliamentary leaders.
Some members of the Servant of the People, the majority in Parliament, They demanded a presidential administration with maximum transparency. Mykita Buturaev, who published the statement, suggested that Zelensky use the crisis as an opportunity Purify and renew His inner circle, and strengthening confidence in the institution of the head of state.
In recent days, Zelensky met with some of his aides and members of his party The possibility of shooting Yermak was raised. According to rumours, the Ukrainian president will already have an alternative in mind: Former Kyiv ambassador to Washington Oksana Markarova.
The corruption allegations are extremely damaging at a time when Ukraine is witnessing severe violence Seeking critical foreign financing To keep its economy afloat, while Russian forces advance on the front. The investigation, which has drawn public attention due to leaked recordings of the suspects, is the latest in a series of wartime scandals.
This new incident raised doubts about Kiev’s readiness to join the European Union, and its critics took advantage of it. Like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is close to Moscow. For the Ukrainian leader, it is crucial to close this chapter before the crisis December 10, When EU foreign ministers meet symbolically in the Ukrainian city of Lviv to discuss enlargement.
There is a need “Fixed guarantees” To be included in future accession treaties to ensure this “The integrity of our union is safeguarded.” European Commissioner Marta Kos warned at the Enlargement Forum, referring not only to the risk of corrupt countries joining, but also to those that could become members. “Trojans” From the external enemies of the European Union, in reference to the Kremlin’s European allies.
The scandal also came to light at a time when thousands of people in Ukraine are in trouble Lack of energy Because of the Russian attacks. He added: “If the president does not make tough decisions, this could be the end of everything.” A parliamentary source warned local media.
Anti-corruption authorities intensified their campaigns Fight corruption Since the Russian invasion in 2022, with the aim of reassuring donors and showing Kiev’s readiness to enter the European Union.
Zelensky promised to reform the energy sector and impose sanctions on the main suspect in the scandal. taymur mendić, Co-owner of the television production company Kvartal-95, which launched Zelensky’s career.
According to the authorities, Mendic left the country. His studio states that he no longer holds any position in Ukraine. Political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko said forming a government would likely be difficult because potential ministers weigh the risks to their reputations. He added: “There are practically no people who want to join a new government.” Fesenko said.
Reuters and ANSA agencies
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