KYIV (dpa-AFX) - In Ukraine, the chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has come under investigation in connection with a massive bribery scandal. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) announced early this morning that they had raided the apartment of Andriy Yermak. The 54-year-old is seen as Zelenskyy's right-hand man and a powerful behind-the-scenes operator. Yermak himself confirmed the investigation against him on his Telegram channel.
Ukraine, which has been resisting Russia's war of aggression for nearly four years, has been engulfed for weeks in a multi-million dollar bribery scandal reaching the highest levels of government. President Zelenskyy, who had also promised German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) a thorough investigation, has yet to issue a response.
Yermak stated that he had granted "full access" to his residence. His lawyers were on site and, like himself, were cooperating with investigators. NABU and SAP did not initially provide details on the grounds for the investigation. "Further details will follow," read a statement. Photos published by the online portal "Ukrainska Pravda" showed ten NABU and SAP staff entering the government district, which has become difficult to access due to the war.
President Zelenskyy's Key Man in Kyiv
Yermak is the central figure in ongoing negotiations with the United States to end Russia's war against Ukraine. He leads the Ukrainian delegation in peace talks. His appointment as head of the delegation last week surprised political observers in Kyiv, as both he and Zelenskyy have faced questions over the corruption scandal.
Recently, former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov was also summoned by anti-corruption investigators. The secretary of the National Security Council denies all allegations. The 43-year-old is also among Kyiv's chief negotiators in talks regarding President Donald Trump's peace initiative.
Few Details on Reason for Raid
Just over two weeks ago, NABU and SAP released recordings of conversations about bribe payments in the energy sector, resulting in several arrests. Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk and Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko were dismissed. The main suspect, Tymur Mindich, a close associate of President Zelenskyy, managed to flee the country and is now wanted. At the time, investigators also pointed to bribery in the defense sector.
Several members of parliament wrote on social networks that NABU is now preparing a notice of suspicion against Yermak. The Interfax-Ukraine news agency, citing a source, reported that no one has been officially named as a suspect so far.
Potential Conflict with Anti-Corruption Authorities
In July, President Zelenskyy attempted to bring NABU and SAP under his control. At the time, allegations surfaced that Yermak had initiated a hastily passed legislative amendment in parliament. The aim was reportedly to prevent impending proceedings against Mindich and former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov, both close to Zelenskyy. Following street protests and intervention by the European Union, Zelenskyy was forced to reverse the law and restore the previous legal status.
Opposition lawmaker Oleksiy Honcharenko suggested that the investigation could also be a response to Yermak allegedly ordering surveillance of NABU and SAP investigators. He also suspects abuse of office, undue influence, and political persecution. "No lawyer in the country can help with that," Honcharenko wrote on Telegram.
Will the Investigation Affect Peace Talks?
The ongoing corruption probe could also impact Ukraine's talks with the United States. According to media reports, President Zelenskyy specifically appointed Yermak as lead negotiator for a meeting in Geneva on Sunday. Some commentators had expected Yermak to be removed from his position.
In an interview, Yermak rejected Russia's demands for territorial concessions in Donbas as a condition for a ceasefire. "As long as Zelenskyy is president, no one should expect us to give up territory. He will not cede any land," Yermak told The Atlantic.
US Pressures Ukraine to End the War
The day before, Yermak had announced new talks with the US side for the end of the week. A US delegation led by Under Secretary of State Daniel Driscoll is expected to arrive. Should Yermak officially receive a notice of suspicion or even be arrested, he would likely be unable to continue as chief negotiator.
Russia insists that Ukrainian troops must withdraw completely from the Luhansk and Donetsk regions for a ceasefire. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, commenting on the raid at Yermak's residence, said the corruption scandal in Ukraine is expanding, with negative consequences for Kyiv's political system.
Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump, the United States has been seeking an end to the Russian war against Ukraine, which began in February 2022. Last week, Washington presented a 28-point peace plan and pressed Kyiv to accept it. The Ukrainian delegation led by Yermak, with support from European allies, made amendments to the plan on Sunday and submitted them to the US.
Despite a series of new anti-corruption agencies established since the Western-backed 2014 revolution, Ukraine remains one of the most corrupt countries in Europe. As an EU candidate country, it has committed itself to reforms.
