Ukraine’s Former Energy Minister Charged in Largest Corruption Case Under Zelensky

· novinite.com

Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities have formally charged former energy minister Herman Halushchenko in what is described as the largest corruption case to emerge during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s time in office. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) announced on February 16 that Halushchenko faces accusations of money laundering and participation in an organized criminal group.

The charges follow months of investigation into a sweeping corruption probe that has shaken the country’s political landscape. On February 15, one day before the announcement, Halushchenko was detained while allegedly attempting to leave Ukraine.

According to NABU, the case centers on Ukraine’s state-owned nuclear energy company Energoatom. A total of nine people have been charged so far. Investigators allege that the scheme was led by Timur Mindich, described as a close associate of President Zelensky, who is believed to have coordinated the criminal network.

Halushchenko headed the Energy Ministry from 2021 until 2025 and later took over as justice minister in July 2025. As part of the investigation, NABU carried out searches in November at properties connected to him, signaling that he had already been under scrutiny well before his detention.

Related Articles:

Russian Forces Capture Rivne and Press Further Toward PokrovskRussian forces have taken control of the village of Rivne, situated between Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast, according to DeepState, a Ukrainian monitoring and analytical group. The capture forms part of a broader Russian push in this section of the front line.16 Feb 2026Civilian Deaths in Ukraine Surge 26% in 2025 Amid Intensified Russian StrikesCivilian casualties in Ukraine rose sharply during 2025, with the impact of bombings and missile strikes increasing by 26% compared to the previous year. The surge reflects intensified Russian targeting of Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure, according to data from the monitoring group Action on Armed Violence (AOAV).16 Feb 2026Bulgarian Fighter Captured in Ukraine After Serving With Russian Forces (VIDEO)A Bulgarian national fighting on the Russian side has been taken prisoner by Ukrainian forces during combat operations in eastern Ukraine, Bulgarian National Radio reported, citing information published by Ukrainska Pravda. According to the report, the capture was announced in a post on the Facebook page of the 20th Regiment of Unmanned Systems, known as “K-2”.16 Feb 2026Russia and Ukraine to Resume Peace TalksThe Kremlin has confirmed that the next round of peace talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine will take place on February 17–18 in Geneva, Switzerland. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Russia’s delegation will be led by President Vladimir Putin’s aide Vladimir Medinsky.13 Feb 2026“How Are We Supposed to Fight?”: Telegram Curbs Ignite Backlash Inside Russia’s War CampRussian servicemen and pro-war commentators reacted with open outrage after the authorities began slowing down and restricting Telegram, warning that the move threatens communication on the battlefield and could seriously undermine military operations in Ukraine. Russia’s communications watchdog announced on February 10 that restrictions on the messaging app would continue as part of a broader effort to tighten control over the country’s information space.13 Feb 2026Orban: Europe Can “Win” by Cutting Aid to UkraineHungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that Europe’s “easiest path to victory” would be to stop providing financial assistance to Ukraine. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists on the sidelines of an extraordinary EU leaders’ meeting in Belgium on 12 February, focused on strengthening the bloc’s competitiveness.12 Feb 2026