KIEV
Ukraine’s parliament on Wednesday voted to dismiss Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk amid an ongoing corruption investigation into the country’s energy sector.
A total of 323 lawmakers supported the decision on Halushchenko’s resignation, while Hrynchuk’s dismissal was supported by 315, state news agency Ukrinform reported.
According to the report, Halushchenko, Hrynchuk, and Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko did not attend the session, angering deputies who expected them to report to parliament, while parliament speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk said they were informed about the session.
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 on Monday.
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.
