KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s former top aide finds himself at the center of a significant corruption investigation, as anti-corruption agencies have officially designated Andrii Yermak as a suspect in a massive financial scheme.
Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office have formally accused Yermak of participating in a money-laundering operation worth 460 million hryvnia, equivalent to approximately $10.5 million.
Officials clarified that President Zelenskyy himself is not considered a suspect in this investigation.
This development falls just short of filing formal charges against Yermak, who stepped down from his position in November. During his tenure, he served as Ukraine’s primary representative in negotiations with the United States and departed amid a scandal that posed the most serious challenge to Zelenskyy’s administration since Russia’s military offensive began.
Yermak has maintained a polarizing presence in Ukrainian politics. While leading Zelenskyy’s presidential office, he held significant authority within the administration, overseeing diplomatic relations with America and other Western nations, and even exploring potential cease-fire arrangements with Russia.
His formal involvement in this investigation draws the probe nearer to Zelenskyy himself, raising questions about the president’s knowledge and possible participation. A Ukrainian court conducted the initial hearing on Tuesday, with proceedings continuing throughout the week.
The relationship between Yermak and Zelenskyy dates back more than 15 years, when Yermak worked as an attorney expanding into television production while Zelenskyy gained fame as a Ukrainian entertainer and performer.
Initially handling international relations for Zelenskyy’s first presidential team, Yermak received a promotion to chief of staff in February 2020. This role positioned him as the nation’s second-most powerful official, often serving as the president’s primary advisor and gatekeeper. Political observers widely credit him with selecting key government officials, including prime ministers and cabinet members.
Zelenskyy placed considerable confidence in Yermak, bringing him along on all international travels following Russia’s February 2022 invasion. When the corruption allegations surfaced in late 2025, Zelenskyy initially withstood significant public demands to remove Yermak from his position.
The allegations against Yermak involve money laundering connected to an upscale construction development near Kyiv. His legal representative has dismissed the suspicion notice as baseless and rejected claims of Yermak’s participation in any illegal activities.
Anti-corruption investigators contend that the development served as a vehicle for laundering funds through multiple shell companies. They assert that Yermak and his associates intended to build four private estates along with additional luxury amenities.
At Tuesday’s initial court appearance, Yermak maintained his innocence regarding the accusations and stated that his possessions consist of “only one apartment and one car.”
This case represents one component of a larger investigation that anti-corruption agencies disclosed last year.
The broader $100 million bribery operation involved officials and associates within Zelenskyy’s circle and became public knowledge in November, triggering Yermak’s exit from the presidential administration.
The investigation revealed high-level officials demanding contractors pay kickbacks of up to 15% in return for construction contracts with Energoatom, the government-owned nuclear power company. The probe included more than 1,000 hours of recorded conversations featuring individuals using coded language.
Following the scheme’s public exposure, Ukraine’s parliament supported Zelenskyy’s decision to remove the energy and justice ministers. His administration imposed sanctions on close associates allegedly connected to the operation, including Tymur Mindich, a business partner in a media production company that Zelenskyy partially owned before assuming the presidency. Reports indicate Mindich has left the country.
Prosecutors have yet to determine whether any funds Yermak allegedly laundered originated from the Energoatom operation.
While not directly connected to the investigation, the probe and the involvement of a trusted ally and former chief of staff could potentially damage Zelenskyy’s reputation.
Widespread corruption remains a significant barrier preventing Ukraine’s European Union membership, which Zelenskyy actively pursues alongside continued Western assistance in countering Russia’s invasion.
The investigation has also affected current officials participating in peace discussions with the United States. Rustem Umerov, who leads Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council and plays a crucial role in American-led diplomatic initiatives, has faced questioning as part of the probe.
Zelenskyy’s presidential term technically concluded in May 2024, but he has remained in office without conducting elections, arguing they cannot occur while Russia controls approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.
His opponents argue that strengthening credibility with Ukraine’s Western partners is equally crucial, as their assistance remains essential for the military campaign and future conflict resolution negotiations.
