On Thursday, Ukraine’s anti-corruption court ordered the arrest of Andriy Yermak, who is a close ally of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Yermak, the former head of Zelenskyy’s administration, faces charges of money laundering. The court set bail at 140 million hryvnias, equivalent to $3.19 million. Yermak, denying the allegations, stated he lacks the funds and his lawyer is working with acquaintances to raise the bail money.
Yermak expressed intentions to appeal the decision. “My legal team will file an appeal,” Yermak told reporters following the court’s ruling. “We will use every legal avenue to seek justice and the truth.” Ukrainian authorities had already identified Yermak as a suspect in a significant corruption investigation earlier in the week.
The arrest marks the closest link anti-corruption officials have made to the president’s inner circle. Ukraine’s anti-graft agencies have accused Yermak of being involved with a criminal group that laundered about $10.5 million through a high-end housing project near Kyiv.
Yermak, a former film producer and entertainment lawyer, was seen as Zelenskyy’s second most influential figure despite not being an elected official. Yermak often appeared publicly alongside the president and served as Kyiv’s lead negotiator in peace talks with Russia backed by the U.S.
Yermak stepped down from his role last year amid a larger government overhaul designed to rebuild trust in the president’s office following allegations of centralized power. Although these charges may not pose an immediate threat to Zelenskyy, they might lead to long-term reputational damage, especially if Zelenskyy chooses to seek re-election post-war.
Prosecutors emphasized that Zelenskyy himself is not implicated in the case. The president’s office did not immediately react to the court decision. The Kremlin commented on the situation, labeling it a “problem for the Kyiv regime” and noting they are not following the case closely.
This development coincides with heightened conflict as Ukraine’s capital and other regions endured attacks from numerous Russian drones alongside ballistic and cruise missiles. This recent assault follows a brief U.S.-brokered ceasefire and reflects stalled peace talks due to escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Ukrainian emergency services reported over five fatalities and numerous injuries nationwide from these attacks. In Kyiv, an entire section of a residential building was destroyed, with President Zelenskyy describing the scene in a post. Rescue operations continued as emergency personnel searched through the debris for survivors, with 11 people reportedly rescued.
According to Zelenskyy, Russia launched over 1,560 drones against Ukrainian targets since the previous day. He emphasized that such actions contradict any belief that the war might be nearing its end. Russia’s defense ministry confirmed a “massive strike,” claiming it targeted military infrastructure while not mentioning the residential area hit in Kyiv.
Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted at a possible end to the invasion, requiring more work before any peace agreement. He also warned of the Sarmat missile entering combat service by year-end. During U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to China, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha noted the concurrent attacks showed Russia’s intent to continue the conflict. Sybiha urged for more pressure on Moscow to halt the war, suggesting the U.S. and China have the influence needed to challenge Putin.
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