Ukraine is rocked by a massive corruption scandal as anti-graft authorities raid President Zelenskyy’s powerful chief of staff, Andriy Yermak. The probe centers on a $100M kickback scheme inside Ukraine’s strategic energy sector.
A Political Earthquake in Kyiv
Ukraine was hit by a political bombshell on Friday as anti-corruption forces raided the home of Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s most powerful adviser and chief of staff. The operation, led by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP), marks one of the most dramatic escalations in Ukraine’s long battle against corruption.
NABU confirmed the raid, stating that “investigative actions are sanctioned and ongoing”, though officials did not disclose the exact charges under review.
But the timing speaks for itself—and so does the scandal.
The $100 Million Kickback Scandal That Sparked Public Outrage
Earlier this month, investigators exposed a $100 million kickback scheme embedded deep within Ukraine’s strategic energy sector. The revelation triggered public fury, especially as Russian strikes continue to cripple the country’s power grid, causing blackouts and threatening winter heating for millions.
For many Ukrainians, this scandal feels like betrayal at the worst possible moment.
Why This Raid Matters: Yermak Is the Most Powerful Person After Zelenskyy
Yermak isn’t just another official.
He is the president’s closest confidant, chief strategist, and gatekeeper to political power in Kyiv.
To his critics, he is a shadow ruler who:
- Controls access to the president
- Consolidates political power
- Silences dissenting voices
- Operates with zero transparency
And now — he’s at the center of a national scandal.
Yermak is also leading Ukraine’s negotiations with the United States on revising former President Donald Trump’s controversial 28-point plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war — a plan Kyiv has raised concerns about for being too favorable to Moscow.
This raid could shape Ukraine’s internal power dynamics and foreign policy.
Yermak Responds: “Full Cooperation”
Shortly after news of the raid broke, Yermak addressed the situation on social media.
“There are no obstacles for the investigators. They have been given full access… From my side, there is full cooperation.”
His message appeared calm — but the political earthquake has already begun.
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