Ukraine Detains Deputy Energy Minister for Bribery

Ukraine has detained Deputy Energy Minister Oleksandr Kheilo for allegedly taking a $500,000 bribe related to transferring mining equipment from the frontline eastern Donetsk region to western Ukraine. The arrest is part of Ukraine's broader anti-corruption campaign, which aims to bolster its credentials for EU membership and reassure Western backers. Kheilo and three accomplices were caught 'red handed' by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and now face up to 12 years in prison if convicted. The Ukrainian government has vowed to hold all involved accountable, emphasizing the importance of transparency in the energy sector, which has been heavily impacted by the ongoing conflict with Russia. This case underscores the ongoing efforts to combat corruption in the country, a critical issue highlighted by both Ukrainian officials and international observers.