Ukraine’s government found itself at the center of a dual crisis this week, as Russian missile barrages battered critical energy infrastructure and a sweeping corruption scandal rocked the country’s top leadership. The events, unfolding against the backdrop of a brutal winter and ongoing war, have tested the resilience of both Ukraine’s power grid and its political institutions.
On November 12, 2025, the United Kingdom announced a $16.6 million winter support package for Ukraine, designed to help repair energy facilities and provide humanitarian assistance to communities suffering from power, heating, and water outages. According to a statement from the Ukrainian government, the aid will be directed toward restoring vital energy infrastructure, ensuring that “the lights and heating stay on in Ukrainian homes, hospitals and schools—even in the face of relentless attacks.”
This support comes as Russia steps up its campaign against Ukraine’s civilian energy grid. Throughout the war, Moscow has repeatedly targeted power and heating networks, but the onslaught has intensified as temperatures drop. As reported by United24 Media, Russia’s strikes have plunged vast swathes of Ukraine into darkness, paralyzing public transport and leaving millions to endure emergency power cuts. The intention, as UK officials put it, is clear: “Putin is trying to grind the Ukrainian people down.”
Despite the devastation, Ukraine’s energy workers have displayed remarkable resilience, managing to keep much of the country’s grid functioning against the odds. The new British aid package aims to reinforce these efforts, funding critical repairs and providing direct aid to those most affected by blackouts. “Our support will help Ukraine restore vital energy infrastructure, keeping the lights on and the heating on in Ukrainian homes, hospitals and schools—even in the face of relentless attacks – which is paramount to the UK’s steadfast support for the country,” the UK government’s statement read.
In a further move to undermine Russia’s war effort, the UK also revealed plans for a maritime services ban on Russian Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). The ban, to be fully implemented by 2026 in concert with European partners, will restrict Russia’s LNG exports by denying access to Britain’s global maritime services sector. This measure builds on existing sanctions targeting Russian energy giants such as Rosneft and Lukoil, and is intended to weaken Moscow’s economic base for continuing the war.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper underscored the UK’s commitment to Ukraine, condemning Russia’s attacks as an assault not only on Ukraine’s security, but on international stability. “Putin is trying to plunge Ukraine into darkness and the cold as winter approaches. These cowardly strikes are not only an attack on Ukraine’s security, but a threat to the UK’s economic security, stability and growth,” Cooper stated. “Ukraine’s security is our security and that’s why here at the G7, we are standing together as the closest of partners to drive forward support for Ukraine and overcome the challenges the world is facing today.”
Germany, too, stepped up its support, announcing an additional $46 million in winter aid for Ukrainian civilians, as the country faces continued Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure. The European Union and its allies have repeatedly emphasized the need for global action to prevent a catastrophic energy crisis in Ukraine this winter.
But as Ukraine’s international partners rallied, a major corruption scandal erupted at home, threatening to undermine public trust and the country’s bid for European Union membership. On November 12, Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko announced the suspension of Justice Minister German Galushchenko, citing his alleged involvement in a $100 million kickback scheme linked to the state-run nuclear power company, Energoatom.
Galushchenko, who served as energy minister for four years before taking over the justice portfolio in July, is accused of profiting from a money laundering operation orchestrated by businessman Timur Mindich, a close associate of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to Ukraine’s Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), the scheme involved contractors being forced to pay bribes of 10 to 15 percent to maintain contracts or avoid payment delays. The anti-corruption bureau raided Galushchenko’s offices on November 10, detaining five people and identifying seven suspects in connection with the probe.
Galushchenko responded in a statement: “A political decision must be made, and only then can all the details be sorted out. I believe that suspension for the duration of the investigation is a civilised and correct scenario. I will defend myself in court and prove my position.” Deputy Justice Minister for European Integration Lyudmyla Sugak has assumed his duties for the duration of the investigation.
The scandal’s reach extended further on November 12, when Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk announced her resignation after President Zelenskyy publicly called for her removal. Grynchuk, who has not been charged or named by investigators as having profited from the scheme, stated, “I have submitted my resignation,” emphasizing that she had not violated any laws. Her departure followed Zelenskyy’s blunt message to the nation: “Right now, it is extremely difficult for everyone in Ukraine. We are going through power outages, Russian attacks, and losses. It is absolutely unacceptable that there are still some schemes in the energy sector.”
Zelenskyy continued, “Undermining the state means you will be held accountable; breaking the law means you will be held accountable. There must be maximum integrity in the energy sector, in absolutely all processes. I support — and the prime minister supports — every investigation carried out by law enforcement and anti-corruption officials. This is an absolutely clear and consistent position for everyone.”
The timing of the scandal could not be worse. As Russian attacks crippled the national grid, Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies found themselves investigating a “high-level criminal organization” that allegedly laundered $100 million through Energoatom contracts. The case has drawn international scrutiny, as eradicating corruption remains a key condition for Ukraine’s EU membership bid. Zelenskyy’s call for transparency and accountability follows months of domestic unrest over attempts to weaken the independence of anti-corruption watchdogs, a move he was forced to reverse after widespread protests.
Meanwhile, the war on the ground showed no sign of abating. Ukrainian forces withdrew from positions in the southern Zaporizhzhia region on November 11 due to heavy Russian shelling, according to Ukraine’s Southern Command. The top military commander, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, noted that the fiercest battles continued in Pokrovsk, a besieged city in the eastern Donetsk region. Russian drone and missile strikes in Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv killed at least one person, injured several more, and damaged infrastructure, as reported by local officials.
As world leaders prepared to discuss Ukraine’s plight at the upcoming G7 summit in Canada, the country’s future seemed to hinge on its ability to withstand both external aggression and internal challenges. The coming weeks will test whether Ukraine’s battered institutions—and the international community’s resolve—can keep the lights on, both literally and figuratively, through another long winter of war.
