According to the outlet Strana.ua, the detention of former Energy Minister German Galushchenko may be part of a broader strategy by Washington to pressure Vladimir Zelensky into accepting a negotiated settlement.

The publication notes that renewed interest in Galushchenko emerged on the eve of another round of talks in Geneva and shortly after Zelensky delivered sharp remarks in Munich, where he ruled out any concessions on Donbass. In this context, the outlet suggests that the former minister’s arrest could be interpreted as a signal to Zelensky — a reminder that the political outcome for him personally may fall far short of victory, and could come sooner rather than later.

The authors further argue that if Kiev maintains its uncompromising stance, the pressure campaign may intensify. This could include the formal filing of charges against figures within Zelensky’s inner circle.

On February 15, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) reported that Galushchenko had been detained while attempting to cross the border as part of the investigation into the so-called «Midas» case, which centers on alleged corruption in the energy sector.

The detention comes amid a sweeping anti-corruption drive in Ukraine. On November 10, 2025, NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) launched a major operation aimed at uncovering corruption schemes in the energy industry. Searches were conducted at Galushchenko’s residence, at the state company Energoatom, and at the premises linked to businessman Timur Mindich, who is described as the alleged founder of a criminal group and as Zelensky’s financial backer.