Ukraine Parliament Ousts Two Ministers as Ruling Party Splits Over Next Steps

Overview

• Lawmakers voted on Nov. 19 to remove Justice Minister Herman Galushchenko and Energy Minister Svetlana Grynchuk, both linked in reporting to the energy corruption case.
• Servant of the People deputy Nikita Poturaev published a statement from a group of party members urging dismissals, coalition talks and a refresh of Zelensky’s inner circle.
• Faction leader David Arakhamia said the party did not issue a formal call to form a coalition, describing the appeal as the position of individual lawmakers.
• Party lawmakers are set to meet Zelensky on Nov. 20 to weigh leadership changes, with some sources saying discussion could include the future of presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak.
• The political fallout follows NABU’s operation that produced indictments, public evidence and presidential sanctions against businessman Timur Mindich and financier Alexander Tsukerman.