Ukraine Ex-Minister Galushchenko Arrested - 'Zelensky to Flee Any Moment...'

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• Former Energy Minister German Galushchenko was detained while attempting to cross the border, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) said on Feb. 15.
• "Today, while crossing the border, NABU detectives detained a former energy minister as part of the Midas case," the bureau said.

T=1771227972 / Date and time (GMT): Mon, 16th Feb. 2026, 07:46

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Former Energy Minister detained at border in Ukraine's biggest corruption case, NABU says

February 15, 2026 1:02 pm
• 2 min read

by Tania Myronyshena

Portrait of Ukraine's Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko in Netishyn, Khmelnytskyi Oblast, Ukraine, on August 7, 2024. (Yan Dobronosov/Global Images Ukraine/Getty Images)

Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

Former Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko was detained while attempting to cross the border, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) said on Feb. 15.

"Today, while crossing the border, NABU detectives detained a former energy minister as part of the Midas case," the bureau said.

Halushchenko is under investigation by NABU in connection with the broader Energoatom corruption case, considered the largest anti-corruption case during President Volodymyr Zelensky's presidency. Eight suspects have been formally charged.

Halushchenko was removed from a train, Ukrainska Pravda reported, citing a source.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's investigative project Schemes reported that he had been detained under Article 208 of Ukraine's Criminal Procedure Code, which allows authorized officers to detain a suspect without a court warrant.

According to Schemes, Halushchenko is being transported to Kyiv for further questioning and investigative procedures.

Border guards had reportedly received instructions from NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) to alert authorities if he attempted to leave the country.

Halushchenko served as energy minister from 2021 to 2025 and was appointed justice minister in July 2025. On Nov. 10, NABU searched properties linked to him as part of the Energoatom investigation.

During court hearings in November, anti-corruption prosecutors cited audio recordings obtained by investigators. In the recordings, suspects allegedly discuss dividing kickbacks and refer to a figure nicknamed "Professor," whom prosecutors believe to be Halushchenko.

Ukraine's parliament approved Halushchenko's resignation on Nov. 19 after President Zelensky publicly urged him to step down. The investigation is ongoing.

read also

Parliament fires justice, energy ministers implicated in Ukraine’s biggest corruption scandal 

Tania Myronyshena

Reporter

Tania Myronyshena is a reporter at the Kyiv Independent. She has written for outlets such as United24 Media, Ukrainer, Wonderzine, as well as for PEN Ukraine, a Tania Myronyshena is a reporter at the Kyiv Independent. She has written for outlets such as United24 Media, Ukrainer, Wonderzine, as well as for PEN Ukraine, a Ukrainian non-governmental organization. Before joining the Kyiv Independent, she worked as a freelance journalist with a focus on cultural narratives and human stories. Tania holds a B.A. in publishing and editing from Borys Hrinchenko Kyiv University.

SOURCE:
https://kyivindependent.com/former-energy-minister-detained-at-border-in-ukraines-biggest-corruption-scandal-nabu-reported/



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Ukraine Ex-Minister Arrested While Fleeing Country Amid Corruption Scandal

German Galushchenko was one of several ministers who resigned in 2025 as the NABU unveiled a massive money-laundering conspiracy in the country's energy sector.
Agence France-Presse
World News
Feb 15, 2026 17:06 pm IST
Published On Feb 15, 2026 17:05 pm IST
Last Updated On Feb 15, 2026 17:06 pm IST
Read Time:2 mins

Galushchenko was one of several ministers who resigned in 2025.

Ukraine's NABU anti-corruption force said Sunday it arrested the country's former energy minister, German Galushchenko -- who resigned last year during a massive corruption scandal -- as he tried to cross Ukraine's border.

"Today, while crossing the state border, NABU detectives have detained the former Minister of Energy as part of the 'Midas' case," the NABU said in a statement, referring to a giant corruption scandal in the country's energy sector that rocked Ukraine last year. 

It did not name Galushchenko in its statement, but he served as the country's energy minister last year and resigned in November. 

"Initial investigative proceedings are ongoing, carried out in accordance with the requirements of the law and court sanctions. Details to follow," the NABU added. 

Galushchenko was one of several ministers who resigned in 2025 as the NABU unveiled a massive money-laundering conspiracy in the country's energy sector that investigators believe was orchestrated by an ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky. 

The NABU said plotters orchestrated a $100-million kickback scheme to syphon off funds, triggering public anger at a time of widespread power outages caused by Russian attacks.

Ukraine has long been plagued by corruption and cracking down on graft is seen as a key requirement of its bid to join the European Union.  

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

SOURCE:
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/ukraine-ex-minister-german-galushchenko-arrested-while-fleeing-country-amid-corruption-scandal-11006805

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ZELENSKY ALLY ARRESTED:
Kyiv’s Ex-Energy Boss Detained At Border in $100M Energy Scam | World News 

Times Now World

https://youtu.be/IRTiaqduFsA?si=_Mghw5tsVC4qc49R

15.2.2026 #ukraine #zelenskyy #breakingnews Ukraine’s anti-corruption bureau (NABU) confirmed on Sunday the detention of former Energy and Justice Minister German Galushchenko at the state border, marking a significant escalation in a $100 million embezzlement probe known as the "Midas" case.

Authorities allege Galushchenko was attempting to flee the country amid an ongoing investigation into a kickback and money-laundering scheme involving the state energy operator Energoatom, which occurred as Russian strikes continued to target the nation's power grid. The arrest of a high-profile figure within President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s political circle comes at a critical juncture for Kyiv as it seeks to satisfy European Union transparency requirements for membership and maintain Western military support. While the Zelenskyy administration has recently intensified anti-graft efforts to reassure NATO allies and the incoming U.S. administration, the involvement of senior leadership figures continues to draw international scrutiny toward Ukraine's wartime governance. #ukraine #zelenskyy #breakingnews #ukrainecorruption #ukraineenergycrisis #worldnews #tnworld #timesnowworld #worldnews #internationalnews #timesnews #newsworld

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRTiaqduFsA

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'Zelensky to Flee Ukraine Any Moment': Former Ukrainian PM Reveals Ukraine President's Escape Plan

Oneindia News

https://youtu.be/XvyN1AwRzE0?si=0rFe03f8QGUTctKI

10.6.2025 #Zelensky #UkraineCrisis #RussiaUkraineWar

Zelensky will resign and leave Ukraine, former Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov has predicted, citing what he described as a US-backed effort to remove the country’s leader. In a post on Telegram on Sunday, Azarov suggested that the decision to remove Zelensky from power “has already been made in the US” and that Washington has given the “go-ahead” for his ouster. He wrote that although the Ukrainian leader has support in Europe, it is unlikely to change anything and will “hardly help” him. #Zelensky #UkraineCrisis #RussiaUkraineWar #TrumpUkraine #Geopolitics #PeaceTalks #NATOPressure #ZelenskyResign #UkraineNews #WorldPolitics #USUkraine #WarInUkraine #GlobalTensions #AzarovClaims #PoliticalDrama

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvyN1AwRzE0

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• The Chinese New Year is one of the oldest and most large-scale holidays in Eastern culture.
• This festival, also known as the Spring Festival, is celebrated according to the lunar calendar and symbolizes the renewal of nature and the beginning of a new life cycle.
• In 2026, millions of people around the world will welcome the year of the Red Fire Horse — a symbol of passion, energy, and rapid change.
• According to the traditional Chinese calendar, the 4723rd year will begin, and the celebrations will last a full 15 days — until March 3, 2026, ending with the grand Lantern Festival.

T=1771174933 / Human Date and time (GMT): Sun, 15th Feb. 2026, 17.02

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World

 15.02.2026, 15:25 GMT

Preparations for the Chinese New Year are in full swing

https://vkvideo.ru/clip-228568353_456276925

This video shows preparations for the Year of the Horse, which begins on February 17, in Shenzhen, where several thousand drones performed a drone show depicting the main symbol of the upcoming Chinese New Year.

Source: Telegram "yourantifakenews"

SOURCES:
https://vk.com/clips-228568353?z=clip-228568353_456276925

https://news-pravda.com/world/2026/02/15/2077387.html


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2026 “Happy Chinese New Year” Mascot Unveiled

https://www.thechinajourney.com/2026-happy-chinese-new-year-mascot-unveiled/


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Chinese New Year 2026: The Year of the Red Fire Horse and Its Traditions

January 13, 2026, 13 min. to read

Table of Contents

• When the Chinese New Year begins in 2026
• The origins of the holiday
• The legend of the monster Nian
• The symbol of 2026 — the Red Fire Horse
• Characteristics of the Year of the Horse
• Favorable signs
• Lucky colors of the year
• Traditions of celebrating the Chinese New Year
• Preparation for the holiday
• New Year’s Eve dinner
• New Year dishes in the Year of the Horse
• Fireworks and firecrackers
• Festive visits
• Public festivities
• Lantern Festival
• What to give for the Chinese New Year
• Appropriate gifts
• Forbidden gifts
• Gift wrapping
• The Chinese zodiac: twelve animals
• Chinese New Year in different countries
• Modern traditions

The Chinese New Year is one of the oldest and most large-scale holidays in Eastern culture. This festival, also known as the Spring Festival, is celebrated according to the lunar calendar and symbolizes the renewal of nature and the beginning of a new life cycle. In 2026, millions of people around the world will welcome the year of the Red Fire Horse — a symbol of passion, energy, and rapid change.

When the Chinese New Year begins in 2026

The celebration of the Eastern New Year is determined by the lunisolar calendar and falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice. In 2026, this astronomical event will occur on February 17, which will mark the official start date of the new year according to the Chinese calendar.

According to the traditional Chinese calendar, the 4723rd year will begin, and the celebrations will last a full 15 days — until March 3, 2026, ending with the grand Lantern Festival.

It is important to note that the European New Year, celebrated on January 1 according to the Gregorian calendar, is observed much more modestly in China. Shopping centers are decorated with Christmas trees and Santa Claus figures; however, large-scale public festivities and family feasts are specifically associated with the Lunar New Year.

The origins of the holiday

The roots of the Chinese New Year go back thousands of years. According to historical sources, the tradition originated more than 4,000 years ago under Emperor Yu Shun, who gathered his ministers to worship heaven and earth. This day was proclaimed the first day of the first lunar month and marked the beginning of the annual celebration.

The legend of the monster Nian

One popular legend tells of a mythical creature named Nian (which translates as “year”), which would come to villages every year on the first day of the new year, destroying crops and abducting livestock and people. One day, villagers discovered that the monster was afraid of three things: the color red, loud noises, and fire. Since then, the Chinese have welcomed the New Year with noisy fireworks, decorated their homes with red lanterns, and organized mass processions accompanied by drum beats.

After the transition to the Gregorian calendar at the beginning of the 20th century, the traditional holiday received the official name Spring Festival, although the weather in February may still be wintery. The name symbolizes hope for renewal and prosperity in the coming year.

The symbol of 2026 — the Red Fire Horse

In Chinese astrology, each year is associated with one of the twelve zodiac animals and one of the five elements. This unique combination repeats only once every 60 years, creating the special energy of each year.

Characteristics of the Year of the Horse

The Horse in the Chinese zodiac embodies a love of freedom, dynamism, and independence. People born under this sign are characterized by charisma, ambition, and energy. They are impulsive, enjoy being the center of attention, and always act according to their beliefs.

The combination of the Horse with the Fire element enhances all these qualities, adding passion, determination, and creative power. The year promises to be filled with change and opportunities for those who are ready to act boldly and decisively.

Favorable signs

In 2026, representatives of the Tiger, Rabbit, Dog, Pig, and Goat signs will enjoy special luck. Other signs are advised to show prudence and thoughtfulness when making important decisions.

Lucky colors of the year

To attract prosperity in the Year of the Horse, it is recommended to use green and yellow colors. However, red remains a universal talisman of good fortune regardless of zodiac sign — the Chinese believe it attracts success and drives away evil spirits. Blue and white are considered unfavorable colors.

Traditions of celebrating the Chinese New Year

Preparation for the holiday

Preparations begin several weeks before the New Year. The main tradition is a thorough house cleaning, symbolizing getting rid of misfortune and hardships from the past year. The Chinese believe that cleaning “sweeps away” all negativity, making room for luck and prosperity.

After cleaning, the home is decorated with festive décor. Paired strips of red paper with poetic wishes for happiness and prosperity are placed on doors. A special place is given to the character “fu” (happiness), which is often hung upside down — the word “upside down” sounds the same as “to arrive,” so this arrangement is read as “happiness arrives.”

New Year’s Eve dinner

The festive meal on New Year’s Eve is the most important family event. All relatives gather at the table, including those who live in other cities and provinces. The period before the holiday becomes a time of the largest population migration in China — millions of people strive to return home to their parents.

The festive table обязательно includes symbolic dishes: fish signifies material abundance, jiaozi dumplings shaped like a crescent symbolize wealth, long noodles represent longevity, and a whole chicken stands for family unity.

New Year dishes in the Year of the Horse

Out of respect for the patron animal of the year, horse meat should not be served. It is recommended to serve eggs (a symbol of a large family), shrimp (wealth and good luck), and roasted pork (peace and tranquility). As dessert, round yellow fruits such as tangerines, oranges, and grapefruits are suitable, as they attract financial prosperity.

Fireworks and firecrackers

After midnight, the Chinese go outside to set off fireworks and firecrackers. This tradition is linked to the legend of the monster Nian and is intended to scare away evil spirits and attract good luck in the new year.

Festive visits

The first five days of the New Year are dedicated to visiting relatives and friends. In the morning, children congratulate their parents and receive red hongbao envelopes with money from them — a symbol of blessing and wishes for prosperity. It is important that the amount of money in the envelope is even, as even numbers are associated with the energy of life.

Public festivities

Large-scale festivals featuring traditional dragon and lion dances are held in city streets. The dragon in Chinese culture symbolizes wisdom, good luck, and prosperity — the Chinese consider themselves descendants of this mythical creature. The lion represents greatness and strength, although the dance often includes comedic elements.

Lantern Festival

The celebrations conclude on the 15th day with the grand Lantern Festival. Across the country, colorful lanterns of various shapes and sizes are hung and released into the sky, decorated with images symbolizing luck and happiness. In some cities, lanterns are used to create true works of art.

What to give for the Chinese New Year

Appropriate gifts

Red hongbao envelopes are a classic New Year’s gift. They are given to children, young people, and elderly family members. It is important to put an even amount of money inside.

Fruits — tangerines and oranges, thanks to their round shape and yellow-orange color, resemble coins and symbolize wealth. Apples and pears are also considered appropriate gifts.

High-quality tea demonstrates respect for the recipient and symbolizes care for health and longevity.

Assorted dried fruits and nuts embody wishes of wealth and good health for the entire year.

Ceramic tableware expresses wishes for prosperity and harmonious relationships.

Forbidden gifts

Some items are strongly discouraged as New Year’s gifts due to negative symbolism:

Clocks — the phrase “to give a clock” in Chinese sounds like “to organize a funeral.”

Sets of four items — the number four sounds similar to the word “death.”

Shoes — giving a pair of shoes hints at separation, suggesting that a person should “go their own way.”

Handkerchiefs — associated with tears and farewells.

Sharp objects (knives, scissors) — symbolize the severing of relationships.

White flowers and yellow chrysanthemums — traditionally associated with funeral ceremonies.

Gift wrapping

The ideal colors for gift wrapping are red and gold. Red represents happiness, good luck, and protection from negativity. Gold symbolizes abundance, power, and the pursuit of perfection. White wrapping should be avoided, as this color is associated with mourning and grief.

The Chinese zodiac: twelve animals

Rat — embodies resourcefulness and calculation. Those born in this year are creative, decisive, and ambitious, although they may show pettiness in financial matters.

Ox — a symbol of confidence and hard work. Such people are straightforward, honest, and uncompromising. In anger they can be destructive, and in relationships they tend toward control and jealousy.

Tiger — characterizes charismatic and courageous individuals. Tigers are selfish, persistent in achieving goals, generous in relationships, but suspicious and jealous.

Rabbit — a friendly and communicative sign. Rabbits have excellent intuition in business matters, are reliable partners, but are not particularly romantic.

Dragon — a born leader and inspirer. Dragons are perfectionists, value their reputation, are demanding of others, and find it difficult to admit their own mistakes.

Snake — a symbol of wisdom and empathy. Snakes are caring and attentive, but prone to pride, distrust others’ opinions, and may provoke conflicts.

Horse — the embodiment of freedom-loving and adventurous spirit. Horses are assertive, impulsive, love attention, and always act at their own discretion, sometimes overestimating their abilities.

Goat — a creative and sensitive nature. Goats are indecisive, prefer inner harmony to material benefits, and fiercely fight against injustice.

Monkey — cunning and curious personalities. Monkeys know how to earn money, solve problems creatively, but depend on others’ opinions and are easily influenced.

Rooster — a responsible and meticulous sign. Roosters are picky about details, firmly defend their position, calmly endure failures, and are ready for feats for the sake of loved ones.

Dog — distrustful and prone to self-analysis. Dogs are critical of others, see tasks through to completion, and in relationships strive to share responsibility with a partner.

Pig — brave and goal-oriented people. Pigs achieve results quickly despite recklessness, are devoted to one partner, and generously share with family.

Each animal is associated with one of the five elements (water, earth, metal, fire, wood) and a corresponding color. The full 60-year cycle begins with the Wood Rat and ends with the Water Pig. The current cycle started on February 2, 1984, and will end on January 29, 2044.

Chinese New Year in different countries

The Lunar New Year is celebrated not only in China but also in other East Asian countries that use the lunar calendar. In Vietnam, the holiday is called Tet; in Korea, Seollal; in Mongolia, Tsagaan Sar. In Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, large-scale street fairs, carnivals, and cultural events are held.

Modern traditions

In recent years, traditional customs have taken on a modern sound. Instead of paper red envelopes, many people use digital transfers via mobile applications. New Year greetings are sent through social networks, and festive dinners are increasingly held in restaurants, where tables must be booked several months in advance.

The Chinese New Year remains the most important cultural event uniting millions of people around the world. This holiday combines ancient traditions with modern technologies, family values with public celebrations, reminding us of humanity’s eternal стремление toward renewal, happiness, and prosperity.

Source:
https://findit.city/en/articles/chinese-new-year-2026-the-year-of-the-red-fire-horse-and-its-traditions

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