Searches at Zelenskyy’s chief aide’s home widen Ukraine corruption probe

Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies have widened their actions, conducting searches at the Kyiv home of Andriy Yermak, the president’s chief of staff and lead negotiator in the latest peace talks. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) said they were carrying out investigative actions at the head of the president’s office. Yermak confirmed the searches and said there were no obstacles, with his lawyers on site and fully cooperating.

The probe centers on a high-level kickback scheme tied to Energoatom, the state-owned nuclear power generator and Ukraine’s biggest energy supplier. Investigators have alleged kickbacks of 10-15% from partners of Energoatom to insiders, and have linked the case to an associate of the president who has fled the country. An old friend and business partner of Zelensky, Timur Mindich, is reported to have helped set up the network connected to the inquiry.

The developments come as Ukraine pursues peace talks with Western support. Yermak has been at the forefront of negotiations, including in Geneva with the U.S. secretary of state, Marco Rubio, as Kyiv mulls a 19-point counterproposal. The timing risks reviving scrutiny of the inner circle as Kyiv seeks to maintain momentum in diplomacy.

In a brief statement, Yermak said investigators had full access to the apartment and that his cooperation is complete. The case has the potential to shift attention away from diplomacy and toward internal politics, as Ukraine tries to continue its push for Western support while addressing corruption concerns.

Cover image source: Property Tied to Ukraine’s Lead Negotiator Is Searched in Corruption Case 🔗

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