Former Ukraine energy minister Herman Halushchenko detained fleeing country

Ukraine’s former power minister was arrested Sunday after authorities eliminated him from a practice on the border as he allegedly tried to flee the nation, a supply confirmed to Fox Information Digital.

The arrest of Herman Halushchenko, in accordance with the supply, adopted requests from the Nationwide Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Workplace (SAPO) and marked a revival in an anti-corruption investigation that has swept the political spectrum.

“Halushchenko tried to flee Ukraine,” the supply mentioned on situation of anonymity.

“The border guards had a request from NABU and SAPO about him and in addition to get data in case he tried to cross the border,” she added.

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Ukrainian authorities have arrested former Vitality Minister Herman Halushchenko as a part of Operation Midas, which investigated alleged $100 million kickbacks at nuclear power firm Energoatom. (Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters)

“This primarily signifies that the president has misplaced some management right here as a result of he tried to cross.”

NABU launched an announcement on the matter on Sunday however didn’t point out Halushchenko, in accordance with the Kiev Post.

He had served because the nation’s power minister beneath President Volodymyr Zelensky, however resigned in November.

“At present, whereas crossing the state border, NABU investigators apprehended the previous Minister of Vitality as a part of the ‘Midas’ case,” the company mentioned in an announcement, referring to a corruption scandal within the nation’s power sector.

“The preliminary investigation process is ongoing and is being performed in accordance with the necessities of the regulation and the sanctions of the court docket. Particulars to observe,” NABU added.

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Halushchenko had served beneath Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (Sergei Grits/AP Picture)

Operation Midas facilities on allegations of a $100 million embezzlement scheme inside Energoatom, Ukraine’s state-owned nuclear power firm.

Investigators say funds supposed for crucial power infrastructure, together with wartime energy grid repairs after Russian assaults, had been diverted by way of contractual kickbacks.

Halushchenko was among the many ministers who resigned in 2025 when NABU found what it described as the huge cash laundering scheme orchestrated by Tymur Mindich, additionally an ally of Zelenskyy.

The controversy has additionally affected border operations. Border chief Serhiy Deineko was fired in January Kiev Independent reported.

On January 4, Valerii Vavryniuk, the company’s first deputy, was appointed appearing head of the State Border Guard of Ukraine (SBGS), in accordance with to Pravda.

“The final border chief was additionally accused of corruption,” the supply mentioned. “There’s a new appearing head of the border service who will not be loyal to Zelensky, however extra to the establishments.”

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“The corruption investigations are inflicting Zelenskyy to lose management and that is making him offended,” a supply advised Fox Information Digital. (Pavlo Bahmut/Ukrinform/NurPhoto by way of Getty Photos)

The supply additionally mentioned that since Halushchenko was thought-about an “unofficial however direct subordinate” of Zelenskyy, this newest arrest will show troublesome for the Ukrainian chief.

“Halushchenko would have been [an] (unofficially however immediately) subordinate to Zelenskyy, so if his corruption is confirmed, it is going to be troublesome to persuade people who the president knew nothing,” they mentioned.

“The corruption investigations make Zelenskyy lose management and this makes him offended,” the supply added.

The developments come as Zelenskyy continues to navigate Ukraine’s conflict with Russia.

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Ukrainian troopers trip atop an APC to frontline positions close to Vuhledar, Donetsk area, Ukraine on Could 1, 2023. (Libkos/AP Picture)

The supply described sturdy feelings throughout the Ukrainian parliament over Zelenskij’s “rising stress” after the arrest of Herman Halushchenko.

“Just lately, Zelensky grew to become offended about initiatives in parliament that weren’t pushed by way of, and he shouted and threatened parliamentarians,” the supply mentioned.

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“This week he appeared emotionally uncontrollable and nearly aggressive behind the digicam, so some parliamentarians have seen his stress ranges rise many occasions over not too long ago – and past pre-war ranges,” they mentioned.

Fox Information Digital has contacted Zelenskyy’s workplace for remark.