Chaos in Kyiv: Opposition Blocks Parliament Over Corruption Allegations

Ukraine's parliament session was halted as opposition parties blocked a vote to dismiss two ministers over a corruption investigation. They demand the removal of the entire cabinet. The anti-graft bureau is investigating a $100 million procurement scheme, with five arrests and two suspects at large.

On Tuesday, Ukraine's parliament was held at a standstill as the European Solidarity party physically blocked lawmakers from voting to dismiss Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk and Justice Minister German Galushchenko. The opposition insists on the removal of the entire cabinet amid a major corruption scandal.

The situation follows the eruption of Ukraine's largest wartime corruption scandal, linked to a $100 million procurement scheme overseen by the state nuclear power company. The National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has detained five suspects, with two remaining at large, including a former associate of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Zelenskiy, who sought to restrain NABU's powers earlier this year, supports the dismissal of both ministers, who deny wrongdoing. As Ukraine seeks EU membership amid international scrutiny over corruption, the standoff in parliament reflects the burgeoning public anger and political strife within the country.

(With inputs from agencies.)