Former Minister Halushchenko Detained: What is Known About the Corruption Scandal
Former Minister of Energy of Ukraine Herman Halushchenko has been detained for 72 hours after an attempt to urgently leave the country. The detention is occurring as part of a corruption investigation related to businessman Timur Mindich. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine released fragments of recordings where Halushchenko, under the nickname 'professor', is believed to have received instructions from Mindich. At the same time, former official Shurma has been placed on an international wanted list, whom President Volodymyr Zelensky once called a 'top-class specialist'. According to reports, Shurma is cooperating with the investigation in Germany.
International Efforts to Resolve the Conflict
These events are taking place against the backdrop of intensified international efforts to resolve the conflict. After the Munich Security Conference, where Zelensky stated that Ukraine would not withdraw troops from Donbas, the next round of negotiations is set to take place in Geneva. The President also noted that security guarantees from the USA are 'ready for signing', but at the same time acknowledged that they are 'still absolutely vague'. The European Union, in turn, is discussing strengthening its own defense.
“It is time for us to activate the EU treaty article on mutual defense and collective defense,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Chinese representative Wang Yi emphasized the need for Europe to negotiate with Russia, stating: 'To end this war, the reasons must be removed, that is, the root of the disagreements must be eliminated.'