Zelensky Ally Faces Graft Heat in Expanding Ukraine Probe
Kyiv– Ukrainian anti-corruption authorities on Monday named former presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak as a suspect in a widening money-laundering investigation, intensifying pressure on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s inner circle during a critical phase of the war with Russia.
In a joint statement, Ukraine’s anti-graft agencies said a former senior official was suspected of participating in a criminal group that allegedly laundered around $10.5 million through a luxury residential development near Kyiv.
The agencies did not publicly identify the suspect, in accordance with Ukrainian legal procedure, but local media widely identified the individual as Yermak, once regarded as one of the most influential figures in the presidential administration.
Speaking to Radio Liberty, Yermak denied owning property in the housing complex linked to the investigation, but declined to comment further on the allegations.
The probe forms part of a broader anti-corruption investigation launched last year that has implicated several high-profile political and business figures tied to the Ukrainian government.
In November, prosecutors accused a former business associate of Zelensky of orchestrating a $100 million kickback scheme connected to the state atomic energy sector. A former deputy prime minister with close ties to the president was also charged in the same investigation.
Zelensky’s communications adviser, Dmytro Lytvyn, told reporters it was premature to comment on the case against Yermak because procedural steps were still underway.
Yermak, a former film producer and entertainment lawyer, emerged as a central power broker after Zelensky took office. He frequently accompanied the president at official events and played a leading role in negotiations linked to U.S.-backed peace initiatives involving Russia.
His resignation last year came during a broader reshuffle within the Ukrainian government aimed at restoring public confidence amid growing criticism over concentrated authority within the president’s office.
The latest allegations come as Ukraine continues to rely heavily on Western military and financial support, with Kyiv under sustained pressure from allies to demonstrate progress in combating entrenched corruption and strengthening institutional transparency during wartime.
