Ukraine’s energy minister and justice minister resigned on Wednesday, the government announced, following accusations of involvement in a wide-ranging corruption scandal in the country’s energy sector.
Investigators suspect a key ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky orchestrated a $100 million bribery scheme to embezzle funds, sparking public outrage at a time when the country is facing major power outages due to Russian attacks.
Zelensky had earlier demanded the resignation of Justice Minister German Galushchenko, who investigators say received “personal benefits” from the scheme, as well as Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk.
None of them have been formally charged, and Grynchuk has not been named as a direct beneficiary of the scheme.
“The Minister of Justice and the Minister of Energy can no longer remain in office,” Zelensky said in a video posted on social media.
A little later, both submitted their resignation letters, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced.
The scandal has caused strong reactions among Ukrainian citizens, who are facing frequent heating and power shortages due to Russian bombing.
“It’s disgusting,” Davyd, who did not want to give his last name, told AFP.