Former Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko was arrested by Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau and prosecutors during an attempt to cross the border by train on the night of February 14-15. His arrest underscores the ongoing issues of corruption within the Ukrainian government as the country continues to grapple with the effects of the Russian invasion. At the Munich Security Conference, the European Union's foreign affairs representative Kallas expressed concerns about Russia's diminished status, asserting that after over a decade of conflict, including four years of large-scale war in Ukraine, Russia's current military position has only slightly advanced since 2014, at a high cost of approximately 1.2 million casualties. She emphasized that Russia is effectively destroyed and its economy is in tatters.

The article further reports on recent Russian attacks on cities including Odessa and Krasnodar, which highlight the ongoing violence and the precarious situation in these regions. In Bryansk, the regional governor reported that some areas are experiencing a loss of electricity and heating due to what he attributes to Ukrainian forces targeting energy infrastructure. This escalation indicates that both sides are continuing their aggressive strategies, leading to further civilian suffering.

Overall, the developments reflect the entrenched state of conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with illegal activities such as corruption being exposed within Ukraine while external pressures mount as both nations engage in warfare. The comments from Kallas also paint a grim picture of Russia's current capabilities and suggest that international perceptions are rapidly changing as the war continues.