Ukraine Arrests Former Energy Minister German Galushchenko in ‘Midas’ Corruption Case

Kyiv, Ukraine – February 15, 2026: In a significant move underscoring its anti-corruption drive, Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) announced the arrest of former Energy Minister German Galushchenko on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Galushchenko was detained at the border as he attempted to leave the country. The arrest is directly tied to the sprawling “Midas” case—a massive investigation into a $100 million kickback scheme within Ukraine’s energy sector that first came to light in 2025.

This development sends a powerful message about the state’s resolve to tackle high-level graft, a critical benchmark for Ukraine’s future integration with the European Union. The case occurs against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing war, which has repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, making the integrity of the sector even more vital for national survival and resilience.

Introduction: A High-Profile Arrest at the Border

The sudden detention of a former cabinet member at an international checkpoint is a dramatic chapter in Ukraine’s long battle against systemic corruption. German Galushchenko, who served as Minister of Energy from 2020 until his resignation in November 2025, became a central figure in the “Midas” investigation. His attempted departure from Ukraine triggered immediate action by NABU detectives, who were reportedly acting on court-sanctioned orders.

While NABU’s initial statement did not name Galushchenko, his identity was confirmed by multiple sources, including his known tenure and the timing of his resignation amidst the scandal. The bureau stated that “initial investigative proceedings are ongoing, carried out in accordance with the requirements of the law and court sanctions.” This arrest is not an isolated incident but part of a broader, multi-year probe into alleged collusion within the energy ministry and associated state-owned enterprises.

Key Points: The Facts of the Case

To understand the gravity of this event, it is essential to distill the confirmed facts:

• Who: German Galushchenko, former Minister of Energy of Ukraine (resigned November 2025).
• What: Arrested by NABU on charges related to the “Midas” corruption case, specifically for alleged receipt of “personal benefits” from a kickback scheme.
• When: Detained on February 15, 2026, while attempting to cross Ukraine’s state border.
• Where: The specific border crossing was not disclosed, but the act of attempting to leave the country was a key factor in the arrest.
• Why: Part of an investigation into a $100 million fraud and money-laundering conspiracy within the energy sector, allegedly orchestrated by an ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky.
• Context: The scandal erupted in 2025, leading to the resignation of several ministers. It involved siphoning funds from energy procurement or reconstruction contracts during a period of severe Russian bombardment of power plants.

The Core Allegation: The “Midas” Kickback Scheme

The “Midas” case, named by investigators, alleges a sophisticated conspiracy to embezzle approximately $100 million. According to NABU, plotters orchestrated a scheme where contracts for energy supply, equipment, or reconstruction were inflated. The difference between the contract value and the actual cost was then funneled back to conspirators as illicit kickbacks. The name “Midas” presumably references the mythical king who turned everything to gold, symbolizing the alleged rapid and illicit enrichment of those involved.

Background: Ukraine’s Corruption Challenge and the Energy Sector

To appreciate the significance of this arrest, one must understand two interconnected contexts: Ukraine’s decades-long struggle with corruption and the strategic importance of its energy sector.

A History of Graft and Reform Efforts

Since gaining independence in 1991, Ukraine has consistently ranked among the most corrupt nations in Europe according to indices like Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. Oligarchic networks, opaque state-owned enterprises, and weak judicial oversight created a fertile ground for systemic graft. Following the 2014 Euromaidan revolution, anti-corruption became a central promise of the new government and a non-negotiable condition for EU Association Agreement and future membership aspirations.

Key institutions were created: the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) as a detective agency, the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) for prosecution, and the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) for trials. While these bodies have secured convictions of mid-level officials, prosecuting top-tier political and economic figures has been slower and more politically perilous.

The Energy Sector: A Critical and Vulnerable Target

Ukraine’s energy sector has always been a giant, inefficient, and notoriously corrupt part of the economy. Dominated by state-owned giants like Ukrenergo (the grid operator) and Naftogaz (the gas company), it has been a source of patronage and illicit wealth for decades. The full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022 catastrophically exacerbated these vulnerabilities.

Massive Russian missile and drone attacks deliberately targeted power plants, substations, and distribution networks. This created an urgent, massive need for emergency repairs, new equipment, and alternative energy supplies. The chaos, combined with the flood of international aid and the imperative for rapid action, created ideal conditions for price gouging, contract fraud, and kickback schemes. The “Midas” case allegedly exploited this wartime emergency for private enrichment.

Analysis: Political Implications and the Path Forward

The arrest of German Galushchenko is more than a law enforcement update; it is a political and symbolic act with multiple layers of implication.

1. Testing NABU’s Independence and Resolve

NABU’s effectiveness has often been questioned, with critics accusing it of being used for politicalpurges or, conversely, of being too timid to touch truly powerful figures. Arresting a former minister from the ruling coalition—even one who had already resigned—demonstrates a willingness to pursue cases that reach into the highest echelons. The fact that Galushchenko was detained while trying to leave the country suggests investigators believed he posed a flight risk, a common concern in high-level graft cases where suspects have access to resources and foreign ties.

2. The Zelensky Ally Angle and Political Risks

The original report mentions the alleged conspiracy was “orchestrated by an ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky.” This is the most explosive element. If the investigation leads to individuals directly in the president’s inner circle, it will test the political will of the entire administration. President Zelensky has staked his international reputation on reform and anti-corruption. A scandal that implicates his own allies could severely damage Ukraine’s credibility with Western partners, especially the European Commission and European Parliament, which closely monitor rule-of-law benchmarks for EU accession talks.

3. The Unbreakable Link to EU Accession

Ukraine was granted candidate status for EU membership in June 2022, a historic decision made in the context of the war. However, candidate status comes with a stringent set of reforms to fulfill, known as the acquis communautaire. Chapter 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights) and Chapter 24 (Justice, Freedom and Security) have anti-corruption as their cornerstone. The European Union’s progress reports consistently cite the fight against high-level corruption as the single most critical area for Ukraine to demonstrate concrete, irreversible results.

The “Midas” case and the arrest of Galushchenko are therefore not just domestic news; they are directly relevant to the EU’s formal assessment framework. A credible, independent investigation and successful prosecution would be a major positive signal to Brussels. Conversely, any perception of a cover-up, political interference, or weak sentencing would be a significant setback.

4. Public Opinion and Wartime Unity

Public anger over corruption is perennial in Ukraine, but it is particularly acute during wartime. When citizens are enduring blackouts, rationing, and bombing, reports of officials stealing from energy funds feel like a profound betrayal. This anger is a double-edged sword: it creates public pressure for justice, but it can also fuel societal divisions and distrust in state institutions at a time of national existential struggle. The government’s handling of this case will significantly impact public morale and trust.

Practical Advice: What This Means for Stakeholders

This event has implications beyond the courtroom. Here’s what different groups should consider:

For the Ukrainian Government and Parliament:

• Ensure Judicial Independence: The case must be tried in the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) without any political pressure. The parliament should resist any attempts to weaken NABU or SAPO’s mandates.
• Protect Whistleblowers: Complex schemes like “Midas” often rely on insider knowledge. Robust legal protection for whistleblowers within ministries and state enterprises is essential to uncover the full network.
• Transparent Communication: While respecting the secrecy of investigations, the government should provide clear, factual updates to manage public expectations and counter disinformation.

For International Partners (EU, US, IMF):

• Conditionality is Key: This case should be explicitly referenced in future assessments of Ukraine’s reform progress. Financial assistance and political support should remain clearly linked to tangible results in anti-corruption.
• Technical Support: Continue providing expertise for forensic accounting, asset tracing, and international legal cooperation to track and recover stolen funds, which may be hidden abroad.
• Public Diplomacy: Acknowledge positive steps like this arrest to bolster the reformist faction within Ukraine, but consistently stress that one case is not enough—systemic change is required.

For Ukrainian Civil Society and Media:

• Vigilant Monitoring: Closely follow the legal proceedings, court decisions, and any attempts to obstruct the case. Public scrutiny is a powerful check.
• Investigate the “Ally”: The crucial next step is identifying and investigating the alleged Zelensky ally who allegedly “orchestrated” the plot. That is where the true test lies.
• Contextual Reporting: Explain the technical details of energy procurement and kickback schemes in accessible terms to help the public understand the magnitude of the theft.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Galushchenko Arrest

Q1: Who is German Galushchenko?

German Galushchenko is a Ukrainian politician and energy expert who served as the Minister of Energy from December 2020 until his resignation in November 2025. His resignation came amid the initial revelations of the large-scale corruption investigation in the energy sector. He had previously held positions in energy companies and was considered a technocrat in his field.

Q2: What is the “Midas” case?

The “Midas” case is the codename for a major criminal investigation by NABU and SAPO into a alleged $100 million kickback and money-laundering scheme within Ukraine’s state energy sector. It focuses on fraudulent procurement and contracting during the war, where funds were siphoned off to benefit a network of officials and businesspeople.

Q3: Why was he trying to leave the country?

Attempting to flee the country is often seen by investigators as a strong indicator of a suspect’s consciousness of guilt and a flight risk. It likely prompted NABU to act swiftly to secure his detention. The specific reasons for his travel are not yet public.

Q4: What happens to him now?

Following his arrest, Galushchenko will be brought before a judge for a hearing regarding pre-trial detention. The investigation will continue to gather evidence. If sufficient evidence is found, the case will be sent to the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) for trial. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Q5: Does this involve President Zelensky directly?

There is no public evidence or allegation that President Zelensky is personally involved in the “Midas” scheme. The investigation reportedly focuses on an “ally” of the president. The president’s position will be tested by how his administration handles the investigation, particularly if it reaches his close associates. He has publicly stated a zero-tolerance policy for corruption.

Q6: How does this connect to Ukraine joining the EU?

Fighting corruption is a fundamental requirement for EU membership. The European Union closely monitors Ukraine’s progress on anti-corruption reforms as part of the accession process. High-profile, credible cases against former ministers demonstrate institutional capacity and are necessary for the EU to recommend moving to the next formal stage of negotiations.

Conclusion: A Crucial Test of Ukraine’s Reform Promises

The arrest of former Energy Minister German Galushchenko is a watershed moment. It represents a direct challenge to the entrenched systems of graft that have plagued Ukraine for generations, particularly in its most vital and vulnerable wartime sector. For the anti-corruption institutions—NABU, SAPO, and the HACC—this is an opportunity to prove their independence and effectiveness on the world stage.

The stakes could not be higher. Successfully uncovering the full extent of the “Midas” scheme, prosecuting all perpetrators regardless of rank, and recovering stolen assets would be a monumental victory for the rule of law in Ukraine. It would strengthen public trust at home and provide irrefutable evidence to European partners that Ukraine is serious about its European future.

However, the path is fraught with peril. Political interference, legal maneuvering, and attempts to shield powerful figures remain real dangers. The international community will be watching not just this arrest, but the entire judicial process that follows. The fight against corruption is no longer just a domestic reform agenda; it is a central front in Ukraine’s broader struggle for sovereignty, dignity, and a place in the European family.