During an extensive corruption probe in the nation's energy industry, Ukraine's minister of justice and minister of energy submitted...
During an extensive corruption probe in the nation's energy industry, Ukraine's minister of justice and minister of energy submitted their resignations. Follow okay1for more.
Ukrainian ministers of justice and energy submitted their resignations following an investigation into widespread corruption within the energy sector. Kenya reports that 200 or more of its citizens are fighting for Russia in Ukraine. The G7 remains committed to supporting Ukraine, even amid the corruption scandal, according to Wadephul.Continue reading for the most recent updates on Russia's conflict in Ukraine on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Canada, the host of the G7 meeting, announces additional sanctions against Russia
Canada, which currently holds the rotating G7 presidency and is hosting a meeting of the bloc's foreign ministers in Niagara-on-the-Lake, is preparing additional sanctions aimed at Russian drone and energy sectors.
Before the meeting, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Ananda stated that Ottawa plans to enact additional penalties against Russia.
"Canada will remain committed to making sure that Russia's actions face consequences," Anand said to journalists.
She mentioned that the sanctions would be the initial measures aimed at the "information technology infrastructure utilized in Russia's hybrid tactics against Ukraine."
The restrictions also focus on ships that are part of Russia's so-called hidden fleet, vessels reportedly utilized to move Russian oil despite international sanctions.
In the meantime, the United Kingdom disclosed extra financial support of 13 million pounds (approximately $17.1 million or €14.75 million) to assist in restoring Ukraine's energy infrastructure, after significant Russian strikes in recent days. The UK also declared a restriction on maritime services for Russian liquefied natural gas.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is "attempting to push Ukraine into darkness and cold as winter arrives."
G7 pledges continued backing for Ukraine amid corruption controversy, Wadephul states
Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that he anticipated a unified G7 declaration, also backed by the United States, committing ongoing assistance to Ukraine, despite the recent corruption allegations affecting the Ukrainian administration and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"The G7 nations are supporting Ukraine," Wadephul said to reporters during a meeting of G7 foreign ministers in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada.
Nevertheless, Wadephul mentioned that the matter came up during discussions with his counterparts from France, Italy, and the European Union with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
He stated that he and his colleagues made it clear to Sybiha, "that a determined effort against corruption in Ukraine is necessary, ensuring that Western support remains believable."
Kenya reports that 200 or more of its citizens are fighting for Russia in Ukraine.
The Kenyan Foreign Ministry stated that it estimated over 200 of its nationals were engaged in combat for Russia during its large-scale invasion of Ukraine, and that recruitment firms were attempting to entice additional Kenyans to join.
According to the ministry, recruitment efforts in Russia are said to have broadened to involve African nationals, including those from Kenya," the statement mentioned. "More than two hundred Kenyans might have enlisted in the Russian armed forces... active recruitment channels continue to operate in both Kenya and Russia.
This comes after Ukraine stated that over 1,400 individuals from thirty-six African nations were engaged in combat with Russian forces in Ukraine, some of whom were lured through deceit.
As per the Nairobi ministry, Kenya's embassy in Moscow has reported that some of the trainees have been injured, who were reportedly promised an amount equivalent to up to $18,000 (approximately €15,500, or nearly nine times Kenya's annual GDP per capita) to cover expenses related to visas, travel, and lodging.
The Kenyan government stated that a security operation conducted near Nairobi in September freed 21 Kenyans who were reportedly being readied for assignment. One individual was taken into custody and is set to face legal action related to the event.
Energy and justice officials submit their resignations amid a corruption scandal
Not long after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demanded her dismissal due to a large-scale corruption case within the nation's energy industry, Ukraine's Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk declared her resignation.
"I have submitted my resignation," she stated in a social media update, noting that she had not broken any laws.
Grynchuk is not known to have faced charges in the case, which involves claims of $100 million (€86 million) in bribes. She has also not been identified by investigators or prosecutors as someone who benefited from the scheme.
As stated by Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, German Galushchenko, the former energy minister who transitioned to the role of justice minister in July, had also submitted his resignation.
VIDEO: Key information about Ukraine dismissing the justice minister and the significance of this event
Ukrainian troops withdraw from locations in Zaporizhzhia
Ukrainian military forces withdrew from their positions in the southern part of the Zaporizhzhia region, according to the Southern Command of Ukraine on Wednesday.
"Towards the end of the night, Ukrainian forces moved to more advantageous locations as a result of intense shelling of our positions in the Rivnopillia region," stated the Southern Command.
Russia is exploiting unfavorable weather conditions to penetrate Ukrainian defenses in Zaporizhzhia, according to the highest-ranking military official in Ukraine, who stated this on Wednesday.
General Oleksandr Syrskyi also mentioned in a post on the Telegram app that the most intense fighting is still occurring in the besieged Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, located in the eastern Donetsk region, where nearly half of all frontline clashes happened within the last 24 hours.
Zelenskyy demands accountability, energy officials to review corruption investigation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared on Telegram that the energy and justice ministers of the nation should be dismissed from their roles as officials investigate a corruption plot within the energy industry.
"At this moment, life is very challenging for everyone in Ukraine. We are experiencing power cuts, Russian attacks, and significant losses. It is completely unacceptable that there are still some schemes within the energy sector," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.
In a separate message on X, Zelenskyy stated, "Undermining the state implies you will face consequences; violating the law means you will be held responsible."
There needs to be the highest level of honesty in the energy industry, in every single process. I endorse—and the premier endorses—Every inquiry conducted by police and anti-graft authorities. This is a completely clear and unified stance for all," Zelenskyy wrote.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko stated this morning that she has put on hold the country's justice minister, who previously served as the energy minister before a government change in July.
The statement was made following Ukraine's anti-corruption body's report on Tuesday that it had arrested five individuals and recognized seven additional suspects in a significant probe concerning alleged bribes amounting to approximately $100 million (€86 million) within the energy industry.
Russian attacks on Ukraine during the weekendcut off power to large areas of the nation, with officials enforcing sudden power outages to manage a shortage of resources due to cold winter conditions.
Russia is prepared to restart discussions with Ukraine in Istanbul, according to a Russian representative.
Moscow is prepared to restart talks with Kyiv in Istanbul, according to a statement from a Russian foreign ministry representative.
"The Russian team is prepared for this; the ball is now Ukraine's to handle," reported the Russian state news agency TASS, quoting Alexei Polishchuk.
Ukrainian and Russian representatives arrived at thethird meeting of official discussions on July 23in a Turkish city, however, there was minimal advancement in attempts to stop the conflict.
The two parties have not met since that discussion which lasted approximately 40 minutes. During that meeting, the Ukrainian team suggested an August gathering between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Kremlin later stated that Putin was open to meeting Zelenskyy, but exclusively in Moscow, a proposal that Kyiv declined.
Russian forces strike locations in Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv
A Russian drone strike in Ukraine's southeastern Dnipropetrovsk resulted in at least one fatality and infrastructure damage, according to the acting regional governor.
Russian attacks also targeted structures in Ukraine's eastern Kharkiv area, resulting in at least five injuries. The bombing ignited two buildings, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov.
Conflict has been ongoing in Ukraine since Russia initiated a large-scale invasion over three years ago, with intense street fighting increasing in the Ukrainian stronghold of Pokrovsk in recent days.
IN PICTURES: Russian attacks cause power outages across large areas of Ukraine during the weekend
VIDEO: How Ukrainian women are taking on essential roles during the conflict
Women in Ukraine are playing key roles in maintaining security as men have been mobilized.
Here's one example:
Ukrainian forces claim to have targeted a Russian facility manufacturing military hardware and drones.
The Ukrainian armed forces stated that they had targeted the Stavrolen facility in Russia's Stavropol Krai area, according to Reuters.
The Ukrainian General Staff mentioned blasts and flames in the vicinity of the facility, which it stated manufactures parts for drones and supplies for various kinds of Russian military hardware.
Meeting of G7 foreign ministers to address Ukraine-related issues
The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) top industrialized countries are scheduled to gather in Canada to address the conflict in Ukraine, along with other topics.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is set to participate in the gathering to address assistance for his nation.
The G7 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Ukraine halts the justice minister's duties amid an investigation into corruption allegations
Ukrainian Minister of Justice German Galushchenko has been removed from his position as officials look into allegations of corruption within the energy industry, according to Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko.
Ukraine's anti-graft agency on Mondayannounced they were investigatinga "high-level criminal group" that laundered approximately $100 million (€86.4 million) via agreements linked to the state nuclear energy company, Energoatom.
The anti-corruption agency, referred to as NABU and functioning separately from the government, claimed that multiple high-ranking individuals were implicated.
"A choice was made to halt German Galushchenko's responsibilities as minister of justice," Svyrydenko shared on X.
Lyudmyla Sugak, the deputy minister responsible for European integration, assumes the position, Svyrydenko noted.
The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) stated that Galushchenko, who was the energy minister for four years prior to a government change in July, had obtained "personal advantages" from one of the individuals charged with leading the large-scale corruption operation.
Welcome to our blog
Good morning, and thanks for being here. We are tracking reports regarding a large-scale corruption operation within Ukraine's energy industry, as Ukrainian news sources have indicated that multiple high-ranking individuals in the nation are implicated.
The investigation occurs as the public has experienced sudden power outages following a series of Russian strikes that harmed Ukraine's energy systems during the weekend.
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