Corruption scandal: Search of Zelensky's office manager

Jermak confirmed the searches at his home. "There are no obstacles for the investigators," the 54-year-old announced on social media. The investigators had full access to his home and his lawyers were working with the investigators on the spot. "From my side - full cooperation", he said. The online portal "Ukrajinska Pravda" had previously written about ten investigators in the government district. It was unclear whether the offices were also searched.

President Selenskyj's most important man in Kiev

Jermak is not only regarded as Zelensky's right-hand man, he is also one of the most influential men in the country and is repeatedly described as a string-puller and gray eminence. He is also the central figure in the ongoing negotiations with the US for an end to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.

Jermak is leading the Ukrainian negotiating team at the peace talks. His appointment as head of the delegation last week caused astonishment among political observers in Kiev because, like Selenskyj, he had found himself in need of an explanation in the wake of the corruption scandal.

Ex-defense minister also summoned recently

Former Defense Minister Rustem Umjerov has also recently been summoned by corruption investigators in the corruption scandal. The secretary of the National Security Council is considered a witness, reported the online portal "Ukrajinska Prawda", citing the press service of the authority. The 43-year-old is also one of Kiev's main negotiators in the talks with war opponents Russia and the USA.

Just over two weeks ago, Ukrainian corruption investigators made public findings about bribes worth millions in the energy sector. Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk and her predecessor, Herman Halushchenko, who is now Minister of Justice, were dismissed as a result. Several arrests were made.

Affair extends to the president

The main suspect and confidant of President Zelenskyi, Tymur Mindich, fled the country. The notice of suspicion issued by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) against Mindich stated that he had exploited his "friendly relations with the President of Ukraine", among other things, in order to enrich himself. In this context, the investigators also mentioned corruption in the defense sector and contacts between Minditsch and Umjerow in the purchase of protective vests for the army.

Umyerov himself has vehemently denied any involvement in the bribery affair. He held the post of defense minister from September 2023 to July 2025.