Ukraine’s justice minister sacked over energy corruption scandal

Amid corruption scandals in Ukraine’s energy sector, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko announced this Wednesday the suspension of Justice Minister German Galushchenko.

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The decision came a day after the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (FEAC) charged Galushchenko with involvement in an incident that allegedly took place while he was energy minister.

“The decision has been taken to suspend Mr. Galushchenko, a German national, from his duties as Minister of Justice,” Sviridenko said.

Lula meets with Volodymyr Zelensky

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President Lula and Ukrainian President Zelenskiy meet in New York — Photo: Ricardo Stuckert / President of Brazil

President Lula and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy meet at the United Nations General Assembly in New York — Photo: Ricardo Stuckert / President of Brazil

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

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy speaking at the United Nations General Assembly — Photo: AFP

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President Lula during his opening speech to the United Nations General Assembly in New York this Tuesday — Photo: Ricardo Stuckert/PR

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President of the Republic Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in New York. NEW YORK — Photo: Ricardo Stuckert/PR

After Lula’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly, a meeting was held with the President of Ukraine.

Mr. Galushchenko’s duties were taken over by Lyudmila Sugak, Deputy Minister of European Integration.

On Tuesday, FEAC also indicted Timur Mindić, an ally of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who was identified as the main coordinator of a $100 million corruption scheme in the energy sector.

The group said Mr. Galushchenko, who served as head of the Energy Department for four years, received “personal benefits” from Mr. Mindić in exchange for influence over the management of the department’s finances.

The investigation comes as Ukraine’s energy infrastructure comes under daily attack from Russia and pressure on the government increases amid the war.