Ukraine's anti-corruption watchdogs have named President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's former chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, as a suspect in a major graft probe, bringing the once-powerful right-hand man under direct scrutiny. Yermak, who resigned in November, is officially suspected of participating in an alleged 460-million hryvnia ($10.5 million) money-laundering scheme, according to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office. The Ukrainian leader is not under suspicion in the case.
Held Immense Influence
Yermak met Zelenskyy over 15 years ago when he was a lawyer venturing into TV production and Zelenskyy was a famous comedian and actor. He oversaw foreign affairs as part of Zelenskyy's first presidential team and was promoted to chief of staff in February 2020. In that role, Yermak occupied the country's second most consequential public post, frequently acting as the president's gatekeeper. He is widely believed to have chosen all top government appointees, including prime ministers and ministers. Zelenskyy deeply trusted Yermak, taking him on every trip abroad since Russia's invasion in February 2022. When the corruption scandal broke in late 2025, Zelenskyy initially resisted immense public pressure to replace Yermak.
No Charges So Far
Yermak is under suspicion of money laundering tied to the construction of a luxury project outside Kyiv. His attorney called the notice of suspicion groundless and denied Yermak's involvement. Anti-corruption watchdogs allege that the project was used to launder money through a network of shell companies, with plans to construct four private mansions and other luxury facilities. During the first court hearing on Tuesday, Yermak declared his innocence, stating that he owns "only one apartment and one car."
Case Tied to Largest Corruption Probe Under Zelenskyy
The case is part of a broader probe revealed last year by anti-corruption bodies. The $100 million kickback scheme implicated officials and associates close to Zelenskyy and was made public in November, leading to Yermak's departure. The investigation involved high-ranking officials pressuring contractors to pay up to 15% kickbacks in exchange for construction business with Energoatom, the state-owned nuclear energy company. It included over 1,000 hours of wiretaps of individuals using code names. After the scheme was exposed, Ukraine's parliament approved Zelenskyy's dismissal of the energy and justice ministers. His office imposed sanctions on close associates, including Tymur Mindich, a partner in a media production company that Zelenskyy co-owned before becoming president. Mindich has reportedly fled the country. It remains to be established whether some of the funds Yermak is accused of laundering may have originated from the Energoatom scheme.
A Threat to Zelenskyy's Reputation
Though not directly implicated, the investigation and the naming of a close ally and former chief of staff pose a potential threat to Zelenskyy's credibility. Endemic corruption is one of the obstacles slowing Ukraine's admission to the European Union, which Zelenskyy is actively seeking, as well as continued Western support against Russia's invasion. The probe has also drawn in current officials involved in peace negotiations with the United States. Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council and a key figure in U.S.-led diplomatic efforts, has been questioned as part of the investigation. Zelenskyy's presidential term officially ended in May 2024, but he has continued to govern without elections, saying they cannot be held while Russia occupies a fifth of the country. His critics say it is also important to bolster credibility with Ukraine's Western allies, whose support is vital to the war effort and in eventually negotiating an end to the conflict.
