Former Minister of Energy Svitlana Hrynchuk stated that during the preparation of Ukraine’s energy system for the winter period, the authorities took all possible measures to ensure reliability and safety. She emphasized that both planned and urgent repair works were carried out since September of last year, and the generating capacities were prepared to operate even in difficult weather conditions.
This is reported by Kyiv24
The Importance of Air Defense for the Energy Sector
According to Hrynchuk, since the end of September 2025, Russia has intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. She stressed that the protection of energy facilities requires a comprehensive approach: physical fortifications, equipment repairs, and effective air defense. Hrynchuk noted that even the strongest protective structures cannot guarantee complete safety without proper air defense operations, especially in cases of ballistic missile attacks.
“Physical protection cannot work at 100% without effective air defense. Of course, we need to strengthen air defense now because it is impossible to protect against ballistic threats even with physical protection. Although some sarcophagi have withstood missile strikes,” Hrynchuk said.
Resignation and the ‘Mindyichgate’ Investigation
Svitlana Hrynchuk refuted claims about the influence of her predecessor Herman Halushchenko on decision-making in the Ministry of Energy, emphasizing that she managed the department independently and responsibly. She also noted that during her duties, she did not violate any laws and did not receive any external instructions.
Commenting on the situation surrounding the ‘Mindyichgate’ case, which forced her to resign, Hrynchuk stated that she sees no grounds for being charged and that the situation is primarily media-driven. She explained that the reason for her dismissal was her own decision to submit a resignation letter, which was supported by members of parliament.
Recall that on November 10, 2025, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau announced the exposure of a criminal organization that, according to the investigation, systematically received illegal funds from Energoatom contractors amounting to 10-15% of the contract value. It was established that approximately 100 million dollars were laundered through a Kyiv back office, and the premises of this office belonged to the family of former people’s deputy and now senator of the Russian Federation Andriy Derkach, who is accused in another criminal case.
According to NABU detective Oleksandr Abakumov, the investigation recorded the involvement of four ministers from different periods of the Cabinet of Ministers.
A few days after the information about the investigation was made public, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko submitted a motion to parliament for the dismissal of Svitlana Hrynchuk from the position of Minister of Energy and Herman Halushchenko from the position of Minister of Justice. On November 19, the Verkhovna Rada supported Hrynchuk’s resignation.