KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday requested and received the resignations of two top government ministers amid an ongoing corruption investigation involving the state-owned nuclear energy company, Energoatom. The move underscores growing public and international concern over corruption in Ukraine’s energy sector during the country’s ongoing war with Russia.

Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Hryshchuk submitted their resignations following Zelenskyy’s call for swift action. Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko confirmed the resignations and appointed Lyudmila Suhak, deputy justice minister for European integration, as acting justice minister.

---

Details of the Corruption Probe

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has been investigating Halushchenko in connection with a large-scale corruption scheme involving Energoatom. Allegations suggest the misuse of government contracts, kickbacks, and illicit enrichment tied to contractors responsible for protecting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure against Russian attacks.

An anti-corruption prosecutor also alleged that Minister Hryshchuk spent several nights in Halushchenko’s apartment during the summer months, a claim she has denied. The investigation reportedly involves Tymur Mindich, a former business partner of Zelenskyy and co-owner of Kvartal 95, the production company formerly part-owned by the Ukrainian president. Mindich has not been officially charged but has been identified as the alleged organizer of the scheme.

---

Political and Public Implications

President Zelenskyy emphasized the urgency of removing corrupt officials amid wartime challenges. “Right now, things are extremely difficult for everyone in Ukraine — enduring power outages, Russian strikes, and losses. It is absolutely unacceptable that, on top of this, there are still some [corruption] schemes in the energy sector,” Zelenskyy said.

Halushchenko, who served as Ukraine’s energy minister from 2021 until July and was appointed justice minister that same month, stated he accepted the suspension as a “civilized and proper course of action” and pledged to defend himself legally.

The NABU has charged eight individuals with bribery, abuse of office, and illicit enrichment. Evidence includes recordings in which code names were used and alleged kickbacks were discussed.

---

International and Wartime Context

The scandal comes as Ukraine faces unprecedented pressure on its energy infrastructure, targeted repeatedly by Russian attacks, resulting in rolling blackouts for millions of civilians. European partners have invested heavily in Ukraine’s energy sector, making the allegations particularly sensitive in terms of international aid and public confidence.

“This scandal undermines unity and stability within Ukraine,” said Oleksandr Merezhko, a lawmaker from Zelenskyy’s party. “Externally, our enemies will use it as an argument to stop aid to Ukraine. While Russians destroy our power grid and people endure blackouts, someone at the top was stealing money during the war.”

---

Next Steps

The ongoing investigation highlights the role of Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions in wartime governance. The government must navigate both accountability and the operational demands of defending the country’s energy infrastructure against Russian attacks.

Zelenskyy has stressed that all officials involved in corrupt schemes must face proper legal consequences and cooperate fully with law enforcement. Meanwhile, the appointment of Suhak as acting justice minister aims to maintain continuity in the anti-corruption and justice oversight mechanisms during the probe.