Anti-corruption raid targets home of Zelensky’s top aide

WISE NEWS PRESS / KIEV, UKRAINE — Nov. 28, 2025

Ukrainian anti-corruption authorities have executed a court-authorized search at the residence of Andriy Yermak, the Head of the Presidential Office and chief advisor to President Volodymyr Zelensky, as part of an expanding investigation into high-level graft.

The operation, conducted by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP), strikes at the core of the Zelensky administration, raising questions about the extent of illicit activities within the country's top leadership circles during a critical period of the war and reconstruction.

Allegations of a massive energy scheme

The search is reportedly linked to a sprawling corruption investigation within the Ukrainian energy sector. Investigators have uncovered a bribery and embezzlement network estimated to be worth approximately $100 million. The probe has already had significant political fallout; two ministers from Zelensky's cabinet have been dismissed following revelations of bribery and attempts to exert undue influence over state-owned energy enterprises.

Additionally, Timur Mindich, a former business partner of President Zelensky and co-owner of the Kvartal 95 studio where the president’s acting career began, has reportedly fled the country. Mindich’s name has surfaced in connection with the ongoing inquiry, further intertwining the president's past business dealings with the current scandal.

Yermak claims full cooperation

Following the raid, Andriy Yermak released a statement via social media, describing the events as "procedural actions" conducted in the presence of his legal team.

"I am in full cooperation," Yermak stated, emphasizing that he currently has no status as a suspect in the case. In a previous interview, however, the chief of staff acknowledged facing "enormous" pressure to resign. "The file is very loud. Therefore, an independent and objective investigation, free from political influence, must be conducted," he said.

Strong warning from the European Union

The widening corruption scandal has drawn sharp criticism from Western allies, particularly the European Union. Michael McGrath, the EU Commissioner for Justice, issued a stern warning regarding Ukraine's path to EU membership.

Speaking to Politico, McGrath highlighted that accession is contingent upon Kiev's ability to prosecute corruption effectively, regardless of the accused's political standing. "Member states will not support the accession of a candidate country that does not prove it has established an effective mechanism for fighting crime at the highest levels of society," McGrath said, underscoring the urgency of judicial reform.

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