The bribery scandal in Ukraine had consequences: Justice Minister Halushchenko and Energy Minister Hrynchuk followed President Zelensky’s call to resign. But there are other suspects.
Following a corruption scandal in the country, two members of Ukraine’s cabinet have submitted their resignations: Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk. President Volodymyr Zelenskyj had previously asked the two to do so and in a video message asked lawmakers to “support the request”. There are allegations of bribes worth millions. This concerns payments in the energy sector and the arms sector, which are important for Ukraine’s defense.
Previous Justice Minister Halushchenko was one of several suspects. There had been a search of Halushchenko’s house the day before. He had been Justice Minister since July and was relieved of his duties by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko that morning. He was also the one who reported the request for his resignation.
Several former and current members of the government have been affected by the investigation, including former deputy prime minister Olexij Chernyshov, who is considered a close confidant of Zelensky.
Main suspect according to the media, it was sent abroad
Investigating authorities talk about the creation of a criminal organization for illegal enrichment in the energy sector. A group of high-ranking officials led by businessman and Selenskyi confidant Tymur Minditsch extorted millions of dollars in bribes: among other things, for the construction of an energy infrastructure protection system.
According to Zelensky, two suspects should be sanctioned, including the main suspect Minditsch. Media reported that he had fled abroad.
There must be a new start in the management of the Energoatom group – Ukraine’s nuclear power plant operator – Zelenskyj said in a video message. In it, Zelensky convinced the anti-corruption body to give its support.
Energy Minister Hrynchuk previously said in a resignation request published on Facebook: “I ask that you accept my resignation from the post of Energy Minister of Ukraine.” The handwritten text stated that there were no violations of the law in carrying out his professional activities.
Svitlana Hrynschuk’s resignation was first announced. This was followed by the resignation of Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko.
“One of the biggest Corruption scandal in Ukrainian history”
The case is also a test of how Ukraine handles widespread corruption in the country despite the war, says political scientist Oleh Saakjan: “This is one of the biggest corruption scandals in Ukrainian history and the biggest since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression,” he said. “Of course this will be compared with many previous scandals, but this is a turning point for the anti-corruption authorities (…). They are now forced to demonstrate their effectiveness.”
In the summer, both authorities came under pressure from the government. This law is an important and independent instrument in eradicating corruption, but critics argue that it is considered ineffective. The government has attempted to undermine its independence. Thousands of people took to the streets. Therefore, the current investigation is bound to be successful, said political scientist Saakjan.
Germany wants to maintain its support
According to the German government, despite its strong support for Ukraine, no German funds have been affected by the corruption scandal there. “We have no information that the incident affected German support funds,” said a spokesman for the Development Ministry in Berlin. There are also no known cases of attempted corruption in German companies.
Germany and its European partners have maintained their support for Ukraine despite the corruption scandal. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha has made it clear “that a persistent fight against corruption in Ukraine is necessary for support in the West to remain credible,” Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told reporters on the sidelines of a meeting of G7 foreign ministers in Canada.
With information from Rebecca Barth, ARD Studio Kyiv
