Even before Putin's war in Ukraine, the corrupt activities of the head of the Ukrainian presidential administration, Andriy Yermak, were commented on in the information space at all levels. The Guardian published its own investigation into the acquisition of elite real estate in London in the names of individuals representing the interests of President Zelenskyy. This scandalous information had no effect whatsoever on Yermak's position in the power structures.
Moreover, the start of the war in February 2022, as well as its further development, had a beneficial effect on the personal wealth of the head of the presidential administration. Yermak usurped many processes related to Western aid to Ukraine, including humanitarian activities, and theft and money laundering reached macro-scale proportions: billions of dollars ended up in offshore accounts affiliated with Yermak. Andriy's team silenced all Ukrainian media outlets, and criticism of Yermak was considered "treason."
During the collection of humanitarian aid for Ukraine at the office of the "Freedom of Speech" publishing house, under the auspices of the "Atlanta to Ukraine" foundation, I repeatedly told the volunteers that no amount of humanitarian aid would bring victory to Ukraine until corruption was ended, specifically mentioning the need to dismiss Yermak. However, some volunteers told me that first we needed to achieve a "physical victory, and then they could deal with corruption." This reflects the bitter understanding that "vatniks" (a derogatory term for pro-Russian individuals) are an entire community of people without national characteristics and lacking critical thinking.
Multiple appeals to President Zelenskyy from Western intelligence agencies (the FBI and CIA conducted their own investigations and obtained appalling results) recommending the removal of Yermak from power structures proved fruitless. Zelenskyy responded that Yermak was a strong official, and that if he had to dismiss him, the president himself would resign.
At the end of November 2025, as part of anti-corruption investigations, Yermak found himself in an unpleasant situation regarding "Mindichgate." Searches were conducted at Yermak's office and apartments. This event was commented on by BBC correspondent in Ukraine Svyatoslav Khomenko.
- Rumors of Yermak's direct involvement in "Mindichgate" remain unconfirmed: his voice is not present on the recordings of conversations, which are the main evidence in this case. However, there is a widespread opinion in Ukrainian political circles that corruption in the highest echelons of power would have been impossible without the knowledge of the top leaders of the state, as well as without the excessive concentration of power in Zelenskyy's office, personified by Yermak.
- Financial Times journalist Christopher Miller, citing his sources, wrote on X that the searches at Yermak's Kyiv home are connected to the "Midas" investigation – another name for the case.
- Last week, during a closed-door meeting between Zelenskyy and members of his Servant of the People parliamentary faction, proposals were made to the president to dismiss Yermak and thus reset the country's political system.
- Zelenskyy refused, and shortly thereafter appointed Yermak as the head of the Ukrainian delegation to discuss the US-proposed plan for ending the war. The corruption scandal and the search at the head of Zelenskyy's office clearly do not strengthen Ukraine's position in the negotiation process.
Following the pressure exerted on Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, it seems he no longer has any arguments left to defend his friend. Yermak has been dismissed, but anti-corruption measures should not stop there. A victory against corruption in Ukraine will likely put an end to Putin's Russia.
Arthur Ginsburg
Freedom of Speech
