Reuters —
Ukrainian authorities on Monday named President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s powerful former chief of staff as a suspect in a major corruption investigation, a move likely to increase pressure on the presidential administration at a sensitive time in the war with Russia.
Kiev’s political class was shaken last year by a wide-ranging investigation that sparked public outrage and prompted the resignation of Andriy Yermak, a former top adviser and Mr. Zelenskiy’s right-hand man.
Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities said in a statement that Yermak is suspected of participating in a criminal group that laundered approximately $10.5 million through luxury housing developments on the outskirts of the capital, Kiev.
Authorities did not release Yermak’s name in accordance with Ukrainian law, but local media widely identified him. He denied owning any property at the development site to Ukraine’s Radio Liberty broadcaster, but declined to comment further.
The case is part of a broader investigation into high-level graft that first came to light last November, when Zelenskiy’s former business partner was accused of running a $100 million kickback scheme at the state nuclear power agency.
A former deputy prime minister and close aide to Mr. Zelenskiy was also charged as part of the investigation.
Dmytro Litvin, President Zelenskiy’s communications adviser, told reporters that it was too early to comment on the allegations against Yermak as the proceedings were still ongoing.
Mr. Yermak is widely considered the second most powerful person in Ukraine after Mr. Zelenskiy, and despite his non-elected position, he wielded enormous influence over much of Ukrainian politics.
A former film producer and entertainment lawyer, he frequently appears at the president’s side in public and was Kiev’s chief negotiator in U.S.-backed peace talks with Russia.
His resignation comes amid a broader government reorganization aimed at restoring confidence in the presidential office, which had been overshadowed by allegations of centralization last year.
