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Anti-corruption raids target Zelensky's top aide as scandal widens
Ukrainian anti-corruption investigators on Friday conducted searches at the residence of President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, as part of a widening probe into alleged embezzlement tied to state-owned energy firms. Neither Yermak nor Zelensky has been accused of wrongdoing, but the move intensifies pressure on Kyiv's leadership amid a $100 million corruption scandal.
Yermak confirms cooperation as agencies execute warrants
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (Nabu) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (Sap) confirmed the operation, stating the searches were court-approved. Yermak, 54, acknowledged the agencies' presence on social media, emphasizing his full cooperation. "From my side, there is full cooperation," he wrote, noting his lawyers were present during the search.
Yermak, Zelensky's closest advisor and lead negotiator in peace talks with the U.S., has faced mounting calls for his resignation. Polls indicate 70% of Ukrainians now support his dismissal, citing concerns over his unelected influence and ties to the unfolding scandal.
Scandal threatens Ukraine's wartime stability and EU bid
The corruption probe centers on allegations that officials siphoned funds from critical infrastructure projects, including those managed by state nuclear firm Enerhoatom. Investigators claim the scheme involved kickbacks and undermined efforts to repair Ukraine's war-damaged energy grid, which has left citizens with only hours of electricity daily due to Russian strikes.
Internationally, the scandal risks undermining Ukraine's negotiating position as U.S. and Russian officials prepare for peace talks. Russian President Vladimir Putin, emboldened by recent territorial gains in Donetsk, reiterated threats to seize additional land by force. "If they don't withdraw, we'll achieve this by force of arms," Putin declared Thursday, while Yermak told The Atlantic hours before the raids that Ukraine would not cede territory under Zelensky's leadership.
Domestic fallout and political pressure
Zelensky has already dismissed two ministers linked to the scandal, and multiple suspects-including his former business associate Timur Mindich-have fled the country. Mindich co-owned Kvartal 95, the TV studio where Zelensky launched his acting career before entering politics. While Yermak denies involvement, critics argue his proximity to the case has eroded public trust.
"The case is fairly loud, and there needs to be an objective and independent investigation without political influence," Yermak stated Thursday, acknowledging the "enormous" pressure to resign.
Timing complicates U.S. peace negotiations
The raids coincide with a delicate diplomatic moment: U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is expected in Kyiv by week's end as the Trump administration advances a draft peace plan. Russian officials have seized on the corruption allegations to question Ukraine's reliability, while a recent EU report cast doubt on Kyiv's "commitment to its anti-corruption agenda"-a critical hurdle for its EU candidacy.
Analysts warn the scandal could weaken Ukraine's leverage in negotiations, particularly as Putin frames the offensive as "practically impossible to hold back." With energy infrastructure repairs stalled and winter approaching, the probe's outcome may further destabilize Zelensky's government at a pivotal juncture in the war.
