KYIV — Ukrainian anti-corruption authorities on Friday raided the home and reportedly the office of Andrii Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, amid a $100 million energy sector corruption scandal. The searches mark a significant distraction for Kyiv officials already focused on defeating Russia’s invasion and securing foreign support.
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Yermak confirmed that investigators searched his apartment inside the presidential compound in downtown Kyiv. Media reports also indicated that his office was searched, though authorities declined to comment. Yermak said he was cooperating fully and that his lawyers were present during the searches.
Yermak’s home and office raided by anti-corruption investigators. Time for the Collective West to send the Zelensky regime more money. Washing machine needs to keep spinning. pic.twitter.com/7DgAVduYuM
— Alex Christoforou (@AXChristoforou) November 28, 2025
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office are investigating the scandal, which involves top Ukrainian officials. Investigators allege that Tymur Mindich, a former business partner of Zelenskyy, masterminded the plot. Mindich has fled Ukraine, and any proceedings against him are expected to be in absentia. Two ministers have already resigned, and several of Yermak’s former deputies faced scrutiny for alleged financial wrongdoing.
Although Yermak is not accused of wrongdoing, senior lawmakers in Zelenskyy’s party have called for him to take responsibility to restore public trust. Some warned that failing to act could split the party and threaten Zelenskyy’s parliamentary majority.
Anti-corruption units raid home and offices of Zelensky’s chief of staff https://t.co/K9X2tfdIKd pic.twitter.com/f0ieZqAJiv
— New York Post (@nypost) November 28, 2025
The president, however, has continued to back Yermak, urging Ukrainians to focus on unity and stop political games amid ongoing U.S. pressure to negotiate with Russia.
Yermak, a longtime associate of Zelenskyy, has been his chief of staff since February 2020 and has accompanied him on all foreign trips since the 2022 Russian invasion. Widely regarded as the president’s gatekeeper, he is believed to have influenced major government appointments, including prime ministers and ministers.
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Investigations into associates of Yermak and the presidential office have occurred previously, highlighting the ongoing challenges Ukraine faces in balancing governance, anti-corruption efforts, and wartime priorities.