President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday publicly called for the immediate resignations of Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk amid a sweeping corruption scandal in Ukraine’s energy sector, saying the issue comes down to a matter of trust.
Zelensky underscored that suspensions or dismissals are among the fastest measures available when official credibility is under threat.
“I asked the prime minister to seek resignation letters from these ministers. I call on the deputies of the Verkhovna Rada to support these statements,” he said.
Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynychuk has already written a letter of resignation, according to local media reports.
Earlier this week, NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine) and SAPO (Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office) said top company officials demanded illicit commissions of 10-15% from contractors.
In addition, during a hearing at the High Anti-Corruption Court on Wednesday, Nov. 12, officials read a surveillance report indicating that Hrynchuk had spent the night at Halushchenko’s residence on at least three occasions.
However, Hrynchuk told reporters that she had not heard anything about this.
According to investigators, an organized criminal group laundered the funds through an office in central Kyiv linked to the family of former lawmaker and suspected traitor Andriy Derkach. Among those named in the case was then-Energy Minister and later Justice Minister Halushchenko.
In response, the Cabinet of Ministers dismissed Energoatom’s supervisory board, while First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced Halushchenko’s suspension.
Officials said rapid action is vital to maintain internal stability and meet commitments to the IMF, World Bank, and European Union.
On Tuesday, investigators also charged eight individuals with bribery, abuse of office, and unlawful enrichment. The probe, launched 15 months ago, has been endorsed by Zelensky, who called on all officials to fully cooperate with investigators.
Meanwhile, Energoatom said the investigation has not affected the company’s operations or the stability of Ukraine’s energy system.
Despite personal ties to some of the accused, Zelensky expressed strong support for NABU’s investigation, saying that “the inevitability of punishment” is essential.