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Former minister detained at border
Ukrainian authorities apprehended former Energy Minister German Galushchenko as he tried to leave the country by train, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (Nabu) announced Sunday. His intended destination remains undisclosed.
Central figure in $100 million graft probe
Galushchenko faces allegations tied to a sweeping embezzlement scheme that reportedly siphoned $100 million from Ukraine's energy sector. The scandal erupted in November, targeting officials accused of demanding kickbacks worth 10-15% of contracts from state nuclear operator Energoatom's vendors.
Nabu and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (Sap) allege the proceeds were laundered and funneled abroad, including to Russia, with investigators releasing images of cash-filled bags as evidence.
Fallout shakes Zelensky administration
The corruption storm rattled President Volodymyr Zelensky's government, which rose to power on an anti-graft platform before Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. While neither Zelensky nor his chief of staff Andriy Yermak faced accusations, Yermak resigned after his home was searched.
Galushchenko, who briefly served as justice minister before his November ouster, denied wrongdoing and vowed to contest the charges. His successor, Svitlana Hrynchuk, also stepped down amid the fallout.
Broader crackdown
Operation Midas, the 15-month probe behind the arrests, ensnared other high-profile figures. Former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov was arrested in November for alleged illicit enrichment, while businessman Timur Mindich-co-owner of Zelensky's former TV studio Kvartal95-reportedly fled Ukraine after being named a suspect.
Public anger and geopolitical stakes
The scandal ignited domestic fury as Russia intensified strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure ahead of winter. Long-standing corruption issues persist despite a decade of anti-graft efforts by Nabu and Sap.
Washington has increased pressure on Kyiv to demonstrate progress, linking anti-corruption reforms to continued U.S. support and Ukraine's EU accession bid. Elections, suspended since 2022 under martial law, remain a contentious topic.
Next steps
Galushchenko was transferred to Kyiv for questioning, Nabu confirmed, without specifying charges or a timeline for further updates. Authorities had reportedly instructed border guards to flag his movements.
