Justice Minister German Galushchenko was allegedly involved in the plot involving state nuclear energy company Energoatom.
Published on November 12, 2025
Ukraine has suspended Justice Minister German Galushchenko for his alleged involvement in a corruption scandal involving state nuclear energy company Energoatom during his tenure as the country's energy minister.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced on Wednesday that Galushchenko had been suspended from his duties, which will be carried out by Deputy Justice Minister for European Integration Lyudmyla Sugak.
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Galushchenko, who was energy minister for four years before taking over as justice minister in July, is accused of benefiting from a scheme that laundered money from Energoatom.
Ukrainian news outlet Pravda reported that anti-corruption authorities raided Galushchenko's offices on Monday.
“I will defend myself in court”
In a statement, Galushchenko said he had spoken with the prime minister and agreed that his suspension was appropriate while he pleads his case.
“A political decision needs to be made and only then can all the details be clarified,” Galushchenko said. “I believe that suspension for the duration of the investigation is a civilized and correct scenario. I will defend myself in court and prove my position.”
According to Ukraine's Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), the alleged $100 million scheme was orchestrated by businessman Timur Mindich, a close ally of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
SAPO investigators say Galushchenko helped Mindich manage illicit financial flows in the energy sector, while contractors working with Energoatom were forced to pay bribes of 10 to 15 percent to avoid losing contracts or suffering late payments.
Allegations of bribery in the energy sector are particularly sensitive in Ukraine, much of which faces long daily blackouts as it defends massive Russian attacks on its infrastructure.
The scandal also highlights a potential challenge to Ukraine's bid to join the European Union, for which the eradication of corruption remains a key condition.
Addressing the country on Monday, Zelenskyy urged full cooperation with the anti-corruption investigation and said all those involved should be held accountable.
Zelenskyy's comments come just months after he was forced to reverse plans to curb the independence of the country's main anti-corruption watchdogs – SAPO and Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau – following widespread protests.
