Kyiv: In a blow to the inner circle of Volodymyr Zelenskiy, anti-corruption teams carried out a major search on Friday at the home and office of his powerful chief of staff and lead peace-negotiator, Andriy Yermak. The raid conducted by the National Anti Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) marks a serious escalation in a sweeping graft probe that has already shaken top echelons of the Kyiv government.
According to the agencies, the search was duly authorized and forms part of an ongoing investigation allegedly linked to a massive kickback scheme possibly involving as much as US$100 million tied to contracts at Ukraine’s state-owned nuclear energy company. Yermak, for his part, confirmed that investigators were granted “full access” to his apartment within the presidential quarter, and that he is cooperating fully with authorities, with his legal counsel present.
Political storm clouds gathered quickly inside Ukraine. Opposition lawmakers and even members of Zelenskiy’s own party have called for Yermak’s dismissal, arguing that his continued presence at the helm of the presidential office compromises the integrity of government and potentially weakens Kyiv’s negotiating position on the international stage.
Meanwhile, foreign observers particularly those in the European Union are watching closely. Officials emphasized that the effectiveness of anti-corruption bodies like NABU and SAPO is a crucial factor in Ukraine’s aspirations for deeper ties with Europe.
The timing of the raids has amplified the gravity of the situation: they come at a moment when Ukraine is under intense pressure from allies especially the United States to finalize a peace framework. Given Yermak’s central role in those negotiations, the scandal threatens not only domestic stability, but also Kyiv’s diplomatic leverage abroad.
As of now, Yermak has not been formally charged and no public list of suspects has been released. But with public anger rising, and multiple prior resignations of ministers connected to the scandal, the political consequences of these developments are uncertain and potentially far-reaching.