Zelensky’s Top Aide Yermak Faces Searches in $100M Corruption Probe — Ukraine in Political Turmoil

Zelensky’s “Man for All Seasons” Faces Searches in Major Corruption Probe — Political Shockwave in Ukraine

Ukraine’s anti-corruption drive reached a dramatic turning point on 28 November 2025, when investigators carried out searches at the home and office of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak. Often described as Zelensky’s “man for all seasons,” Yermak has now become linked to the country’s biggest corruption investigation of the year — a development that has triggered intense political scrutiny and national debate.

The searches were conducted by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). Authorities say the raids are part of a sweeping probe into alleged corruption inside the state nuclear energy company Energoatom, where nearly $100 million was reportedly siphoned off through illicit contracting schemes.

According to investigators, contractors were allegedly forced to pay 10–15% kickbacks to secure government contracts — a scheme believed to have benefited influential business and political networks.
While the probe is ongoing, Yermak has not been formally charged or declared a suspect, and officials emphasize that the searches are “investigative actions” tied to the broader case.

One of the central individuals linked to the alleged financial network is Timur Mindich, a long-time associate and former business partner of President Zelensky. Mindich is reported to have left the country shortly after the investigation expanded, fueling speculation about the possible reach of the corruption network.

As the scandal widened, the Ukrainian government saw immediate political fallout. Several officials connected to the energy sector had earlier submitted their resignations, and President Zelensky has ordered a full audit of all state-owned energy enterprises, promising that anyone involved in wrongdoing will face strict legal consequences.

International partners reacted swiftly. The European Union and other Western allies, already concerned about governance and reforms, warned that further financial assistance may depend on Kyiv demonstrating clear and credible anti-corruption progress. This comes at a critical time, with Ukraine heavily reliant on external military and financial support.

Analysts say that although Yermak remains uncharged, the political pressure created by the raid could make him one of the biggest casualties of the crisis. Critics argue that Zelensky may be forced to distance himself from his closest aide to preserve the administration’s credibility.

This unfolding scandal is more than just a corruption case — it is a crucial test of Ukraine’s institutions, its wartime accountability framework, and its reliability in the eyes of international partners. The coming weeks will determine whether Kyiv can restore public trust and reinforce its commitment to transparency during one of the most challenging periods in its modern history.