Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies, Nabu and Sap, have begun investigative searches at the home of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, who confirmed on social media that he is fully cooperating and has not been named a suspect. The searches come as a $100m embezzlement scandal in the energy sector engulfs several figures close to Zelensky, raising domestic pressure for Yermak to resign, with recent polling showing 70% of Ukrainians want him out.
Despite the scandal, Yermak emphasized his central role in peace negotiations, stating, “as long as Zelensky is president, no-one should count on us giving up territory. He will not sign away territory.” The inquiry has heightened concerns about Ukraine’s position in ongoing talks with the US and Russia, with Russian President Vladimir Putin insisting any territorial gains must be secured by force if necessary.