Ukraine’s Justice Minister German Galushchenko has been suspended from his position as authorities investigate what they describe as a large-scale corruption scheme in the country’s energy sector. The decision was announced Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko on Wednesday following an emergency government session in Kyiv.
“This morning, an extraordinary meeting of the government was held,” Svyrydenko said in an official statement. “A decision was made to suspend German Galushchenko from performing the duties of the minister of justice.”
The move is part of a broader crackdown on corruption as Ukrainian anti-graft agencies probe a $100 million kickback and money-laundering operation allegedly involving senior energy officials. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office have charged seven individuals in connection with the case, which has fueled public anger and raised concerns about government accountability amid the ongoing war with Russia.
The investigation has placed renewed pressure on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has made fighting corruption one of his administration’s central promises. In a televised address to the nation later on Wednesday, Zelenskyy called for the resignation of both Galushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk, emphasizing the need to restore public confidence in government institutions.
“I believe that the minister of justice and the minister of energy cannot remain in their positions,” Zelenskyy said. “This is a matter of trust. If there are accusations, they must be answered openly. The decision to remove them from office is the fastest and most correct course of action.”
Galushchenko, who previously served as energy minister before taking over the justice portfolio, reportedly came under scrutiny earlier this week after NABU investigators carried out searches of his office and residence. While he has not been formally charged, his past connections to the energy sector have drawn attention as investigators dig deeper into the alleged corruption network.
In his own statement on Wednesday, Galushchenko said he respected the government’s decision and would cooperate fully with the investigation. “I believe that suspension during the investigation is a civilized and correct step,” he said. “I will defend myself in the legal arena and prove my position.”
Prime Minister Svyrydenko described the suspension as a precautionary measure, stressing that the investigation must proceed without interference or influence. She also announced that Deputy Justice Minister for European Integration, Lyudmila Suhak, would temporarily take over the duties of the ministry to ensure continuity of operations.
The scandal has reignited debate in Ukraine over the government’s commitment to tackling systemic corruption, an issue that has long hindered the country’s political and economic development. Western allies, including the European Union and the United States, have repeatedly emphasized the importance of transparency and reform as conditions for ongoing military and financial support.
Political analysts say the decision to suspend Galushchenko signals that Kyiv is seeking to demonstrate zero tolerance for corruption at all levels of government, particularly as Ukraine continues its efforts to join the European Union.
“The suspension of a sitting minister shows that Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions are gaining strength,” said one analyst in Kyiv. “But the real test will be whether this investigation leads to convictions and systemic change.”
For now, the investigation remains ongoing, with both domestic and international observers closely monitoring its outcome. As President Zelenskyy put it in his address, “No official is above the law, and no position will protect anyone from responsibility.”
