Zelensky’s Ex-Right Hand Man Appears in Court on Corruption Charges
President Zelensky’s former right-hand man appeared in a Kyiv court on Tuesday.
A Court Appearance in Kyiv
Andriy Yermak was named as a suspect in a money-laundering scheme. Ukraine’s two anti-corruption agencies identified him.Yermak’s lawyer earlier denounced the allegations as “baseless”. The case involves a $10.5m luxury construction project outside Kyiv. Hours before the hearing, Yermak told reporters: “I do not have any house. I only have one flat and one car.”
A Close Ally Turned Suspect
For years, Yermak was a close friend of Zelensky. He led Ukraine’s talks with the US. However, an anti-corruption raid on his flat last November prompted his resignation.Ukraine’s Anti-corruption Prosecutor’s Office (Sap) is now asking the court for preventive detention. Alternatively, prosecutors want bail of about $4m. The head of the National Anti-corruption Bureau (Nabu) stressed that Zelensky himself is not part of the investigation.
Broader Inquiry and EU Ambitions
Yermak was Zelensky’s closest adviser throughout Russia’s full-scale invasion. He became caught up in a broader inquiry into an alleged $100m embezzlement scheme in Ukraine’s nuclear energy sector. He was not charged at the time.The swirling allegations have cast a shadow over Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union. Last year, Zelensky had to scrap a law that weakened anti-corruption agencies. The move followed widespread protests and EU criticism.
