Zelenskyy's Top Aide Andriy Yermak Is Now Under Investigation (Source: president.gov.ua)
Ukraine’s leading anti-corruption bodies conducted a high-profile search at the residence of Andriy Yermak, the powerful chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, officials confirmed on Friday. The move marks one of the most significant escalations in Ukraine’s anti-graft efforts in recent years.
In a rare joint announcement, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) stated that their teams were carrying out “sanctioned investigative actions” at Yermak’s home. The agencies did not reveal what specific evidence they were looking for, nor did they clarify whether the search was directly linked to accusations against the presidential aide.
Andriy Yermak is widely viewed as one of Ukraine’s most powerful officials, recently leading Kyiv’s delegation in Geneva for crucial talks with the United States on a possible settlement to the ongoing war. His prominence comes at a time when Ukraine is reeling from a deepening corruption scandal, after investigators revealed that funds meant to support the country’s vulnerable energy infrastructure were siphoned off through illicit channels.
Andriy Borysovych Yermak was born on 21 November 1971. He is a Ukrainian politician and former film producer who has served as the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine since 11 February 2020, after being appointed by Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He is also a member of the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, the country’s highest military command authority. Widely regarded as Zelenskyy’s right-hand man and a “real power broker” within Kyiv’s political system, Yermak has steadily risen to become one of the most influential figures in Ukraine. Politico described him as Kyiv’s “Green Cardinal” in 2023, while Time included him in its 2024 list of the world’s 100 most influential people.
As per reports, the expanding probe has already implicated several influential figures linked to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, intensifying scrutiny on the administration as the nation grapples with both wartime pressures and a growing crisis of public trust.
The operation comes at a tense moment for the government. Earlier this month, investigators uncovered a $100 million kickback scheme within Ukraine’s strategic energy sector. The scandal broke as Russian missile and drone attacks continue to batter the country’s power infrastructure.
Repeated strikes have already damaged major energy facilities, causing rolling blackouts and raising fears of heating shortages as winter sets in. The corruption revelations have further fuelled public frustration at a time when the country is battling war-time pressure and widespread economic strain.
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Although Yermak has not been formally named as a suspect, the search is seen as politically significant. He is widely viewed as one of the most influential personalities in Zelenskyy’s inner circle.
Critics have long charged that Yermak holds exceptional sway in Kyiv allegedly shaping political access to the president and sidelining rivals inside the government and ruling party.
Apart from his internal role, Yermak has also been leading major diplomatic initiatives. Zelenskyy tasked him with managing discussions with Washington to revise a 28-point peace proposal presented by US President Donald Trump a plan Kyiv said earlier appeared too favourable to Moscow.
After news of the search became public, Yermak responded promptly on social media, stressing his readiness to assist investigators. “There are no obstacles for the investigators,” he wrote. “They have been given complete access to the apartment, and my lawyers are present and working with law enforcement. From my side, there is full cooperation,” he added.
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