Zelensky’s former chief of staff named suspect in major corruption probe

Ukrainian investigators have cast a harsh spotlight on President Volodymyr Zelensky’s influential former chief of staff, naming him as a suspect in a sweeping corruption case that threatens to intensify pressure on the president’s office at a delicate stage of the war with Russia.

Kyiv’s political establishment was jolted last year by the sprawling inquiry, which stirred public outrage and ultimately drove the former senior adviser — once Mr Zelensky’s closest aide — Andriy Yermak, from office.

Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies said in a statement that Mr Yermak is suspected of involvement in a criminal group accused of laundering about $10.5 million through a luxury housing complex on the outskirts of the capital, Kyiv.

The agencies did not identify Mr Yermak by name, in keeping with Ukrainian law, though local media broadly reported that he was the official in question. In remarks to the Ukrainian outlet Radio Liberty, he said he did not own property in the development, while declining to elaborate.

A former deputy prime minister and close ally of Mr Zelensky’s was also charged in connection with the case.

Mr Zelensky’s communications adviser, Dmytro Lytvyn, told reporters that it was premature to comment on the suspicion against Mr Yermak because procedural steps were still under way.

Powerful player

Mr Yermak was widely regarded as the second most powerful figure in Ukraine after Mr Zelensky, exercising unusually broad influence over much of the country’s politics despite never holding elected office.

The former film producer and entertainment lawyer was a constant presence alongside the president at public appearances and also served as Kyiv’s chief negotiator in US-backed peace talks with Russia.

His departure last year formed part of a wider government reshuffle meant to rebuild confidence in the president’s office, which has long faced accusations of concentrating power too tightly at the centre.