Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk after a major bribery scandal shook the country’s energy sector. The move came as Ukrainians expressed growing frustration over corruption at a time when the nation continues to face war-related hardships.

Zelenskyy made the announcement on Wednesday, saying both ministers could no longer hold their positions. He also urged sanctions against his friend and former business partner, Timur Mindich, who has been accused of organizing the large-scale bribery scheme.

Zelenskyy Vows Integrity and Accountability

In his statement, Zelenskyy acknowledged public anger and emphasized the need for honesty in government institutions.

“There must be maximum integrity in the energy sector, in absolutely all processes. I support every investigation carried out by law enforcement and anti-corruption officials. This is an absolutely clear and consistent position for everyone," Zelenskyy said.

He assured citizens that those responsible would face justice. “Right now, it is extremely difficult for everyone in Ukraine – enduring power outages, Russian strikes and losses. It is absolutely unacceptable that, amid all this, there are also some [corruption] schemes in the energy sector," he added.

Corruption Scandal Sparks Political Storm

The bribery scandal has quickly turned into a political crisis for Zelenskyy’s administration. Anti-corruption activists, opposition leaders, and war veterans have demanded strong action, even if it means punishing people close to the president.

The controversy followed a 15-month investigation by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) into Energoatom, the state nuclear energy company. The central figure in the case is Timur Mindich, a businessman who co-founded Zelenskyy’s former production company, Kvartal 95.

Mindich Accused of Running $100 Million Bribery Scheme

Investigators allege that Mindich and others forced Energoatom’s partners to pay kickbacks of 10–15 percent to ensure payments were not delayed or contracts were not canceled. NABU revealed that the scheme involved around $100 million.

When the case surfaced, Mindich reportedly fled Ukraine and is believed to be in Israel. Though once close to Zelenskyy, reports suggest the two have had little contact since Russia’s invasion.

Ministers Deny Wrongdoing as Probe Deepens

Following the public outrage, both Halushchenko and Grynchuk resigned at Zelenskyy’s request. They denied any role in the scandal. Halushchenko called his suspension “appropriate” and said he would defend himself in court, as one of his former advisers was directly implicated.

Earlier this week, NABU released audio recordings of suspects using code names to discuss bribes. In those recordings, Halushchenko was referred to as “Professor,” while Mindich was called “Karlson.” The investigation is ongoing, and more names could emerge as evidence builds.

A Critical Moment for Zelenskyy

The incident poses one of the biggest challenges yet for Zelenskyy’s leadership. As Ukraine continues to face war pressures and energy shortages, the president now has to restore public trust while proving that his government remains committed to fighting corruption — even within its own ranks.