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Two top Ukrainian officials have resigned amid a damning corruption investigation that has rocked the country’s energy sector.

Getting into it: Justice Minister German Galushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk submitted their resignations following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s public call for their removal. Galushchenko, who previously served as energy minister, was suspended from his current post after investigators linked him to a massive bribery scheme involving Ukraine’s state nuclear agency, Energoatom. Though neither he nor Hrynchuk has been formally charged, both stepped down as a “matter of trust,” according to Zelensky.

The corruption probe, dubbed Operation Midas, was launched by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). Investigators uncovered a sprawling network of officials, advisors, and business figures allegedly involved in orchestrating a $100 million kickback scheme. The core of the plot revolved around Energoatom’s procurement system, where contractors were reportedly forced to pay 10 to 15% bribes in order to win or maintain government contracts. If they refused, their payments would be delayed or their supplier status revoked. The scheme allegedly allowed its masterminds to funnel illegal profits through shell companies and money laundering operations, with significant portions transferred to high-ranking figures.

Those implicated include Timur Mindich, a close associate of Zelensky and co-owner of the Kvartal 95 production studio, who is accused of leading the operation and has reportedly fled the country. Also named as suspects are Ihor Myronyuk, Galushchenko’s former advisor, and Dmytro Basov, Energoatom’s executive director for security. Although Galushchenko himself has not been formally accused in court, NABU claims to possess recordings of him communicating with suspects about the scheme. Prosecutors have also alleged that funds were transferred to a former deputy prime minister, referred to in internal documents as “Che Guevara,” who moved some of the money to his wife after learning he was under investigation.

In response to the revelations, the Ukrainian government has taken a series of high-profile actions to contain the damage. Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed the resignations and announced that the entire supervisory board of Energoatom had been dismissed, with a new board to be selected in coordination with G7 partners. A full audit of the agency is also underway.