President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier in the day called for the dismissal of both the energy and justice ministers, saying that he supported anti-graft agencies in their probe into the energy industry. Ukrainian authorities have charged seven people in relation to an alleged $100 million kickback scheme involving senior energy officials that has focused attention on Kyiv's battle against corruption. Accusations of graft in the energy sector are particularly sensitive at a time when people are facing lengthy daily blackouts across much of the country even before cold winter temperatures set in, as Ukraine fends off massive Russian attacks on its infrastructure. Zelenskyy’s former business associate Timur Mindich is among the suspects being investigated. The president said in a video address: "There should be maximum transparency in the energy sector, in all processes absolutely. "It is very difficult for everyone in Ukraine now. It is absolutely abnormal that there are still some schemes in the energy sector." Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said she had submitted a request to parliament to dismiss the justice and energy ministers. Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk then submitted her resignation but in a statement on social media denied any wrongdoing. Justice Minister German Galushchenko earlier said on Facebook he supported a decision to suspend him as "a civilised and appropriate scenario" and vowed to defend himself.
