 "(FILES) Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) and Head of the Office of the Presidency of Ukraine Andriy Yermak (L) during their meeting at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid on November 18, 2025. (AFP)")
Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies carried out a search targeting the home of Andriy Yermak , President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s influential chief of staff, officials confirmed on Friday, marking a dramatic escalation in the country’s largest graft scandal in years.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) said in a joint statement that investigators were executing “sanctioned investigative actions” at Yermak’s residence.
Authorities described the operation as part of an ongoing probe but did not provide further details about what evidence they were seeking or what allegations may be tied directly to the presidential aide.
The searches come against the backdrop of a $100 million kickback scheme uncovered earlier this month within Ukraine’s strategic energy sector. This revelation has ignited public anger as Russian strikes continue to pound the national power grid. Damage to key facilities has already triggered rolling blackouts, with officials warning of possible heating disruptions as winter approaches.
Although Yermak has not been formally accused of wrongdoing, the decision to search the home of one of the most powerful figures in Zelenskyy’s circle speaks volumes on the high stakes of the investigation. Critics have long accused Yermak of amassing outsized influence in Kyiv, controlling access to the president and sidelining opponents within the political establishment.
Beyond his domestic role, Yermak has been at the centre of Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts.
Zelensky entrusted him with leading negotiations with Washington to revise a 28-point peace proposal put forward by US President Donald Trump, which Kyiv had previously criticised as leaning too far toward Moscow’s interests.
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View AllResponding to Friday’s developments, Yermak said he was fully cooperating with the authorities.
“There are no obstacles for the investigators,” he said in a message posted on social media.
“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 said.