Ukraine's parliament approves dismissal of justice minister amid corruption probe

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukraine’s parliament on Wednesday voted to dismiss Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko, who was suspended amid a corruption investigation into the country’s energy sector, state news agency Ukrinform reported.

A total of 323 lawmakers supported the decision. Parliament speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk said Halushchenko, Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk and Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko did not attend the session, angering deputies who expected them to report on the issue.

The motion was introduced by Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka, who said the proposal was linked to “the public outcry over the ongoing investigations.” Stefanchuk signed the dismissal immediately after the vote.

Anti-corruption agencies are investigating a $100 million kickback and money laundering scheme involving senior energy officials. They accused businessman Timur Mindich of orchestrating the scandal.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had called for the resignation of Halushchenko, who previously served as energy minister, and Hrynchuk, who has also stepped down.

The parliament's legal committee also supported Halushchenko’s removal.

The agencies said the operation was launched on Nov. 10, saying the network influenced major state companies and laundered money through a back-office structure.