2 hours ago
5
Key events Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature
Russia ready to resume talks with Ukraine in Istanbul, official says
Meanwhile, a Russian foreign ministry official told reporters that Russia was ready to resume negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul over the peace process.
In comments reported by Russian state news agency Tass and Reuters, Alexei Polishchuk indicated Moscow’s willingness to resume talks with Ukraine.
The two sides have held no face to face talks since July.
Morning opening: Focus on corruption in Ukraine
Jakub Krupa
Ukrainian justice minister German Galushchenko has been suspended amid an alleged corruption scandal in the country’s energy sector, uncovered by the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, or SAPO.
AFP reported that the authorities alleged that Galushchenko was involved in a $100m corruption scheme orchestrated by Timur Mindich, an ally of president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and personally benefited from the plot.
But Reuters said the ministry confirmed he was subject to an active investigation, but did not specify if it was linked with the energy corruption case.
Prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko said in a social media post this morning that the decision had been taken at an emergency government session, with deputy justice minister for European intergration Lyudmila Suhak tasked with taking over Galushchenko’s duties.
Galushchenko agreed with the government’s decision, saying that “suspension for the duration of the investigation is a civilised and appropriate scenario.”
“I will defend myself in the legal arena and prove my position,” he added.
The scandal comes at a particularly difficult time for the administration amid continuing Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and concerns about how well it’s prepared for the upcoming winter, but also just days after the European Union highlighted the fight against corruption as an area requiring particular improvement if Ukraine wants to join the bloc.
After a row over SAPO’s independence over the summer, which triggered rare protests against Zelenskyy, the commission put on record its concerns about any potential backsliding in this area (Europe Live, last week).
Let’s see what reactions are we going to get during the day, including from the EU.
It’s Wednesday, 12 November 2025, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
