Ukraine Justice Minister Suspended Over Energy Graft Allegations

Overview

• Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko suspended German Galushchenko on Wednesday and assigned his duties to Deputy Minister for European Integration Liudmila Sugak.
• The decision came a day after the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (FEAC) alleged Galushchenko received personal benefits during his tenure as energy minister in a $100 million corruption case.
• FEAC has also charged Timur Mindich, described as orchestrating the scheme and identified as a co-owner of the production company founded by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
• Galushchenko denies wrongdoing, and separate prosecutions such as the October arrest of former Ukrenergo chief Volodymyr Kudrytsky have prompted accusations of politically motivated cases.
• The investigation is unfolding as Russian strikes continue to damage Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and as the EU scrutinizes Kyiv’s anti-corruption credentials during its membership bid.