The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) have conducted searches at both the government quarter and the residence of the head of the President’s Office, Andriy Yermak. This information was confirmed by NABU, SAP, and Yermak personally.
The searches are believed to be linked to high-profile NABU investigations that have already impacted President Volodymyr Zelensky’s close circle and led to the resignation of several ministers. Andriy Yermak has been mentioned among the figures in the so-called "Mindich tapes," raising concerns about his possible involvement in corruption cases and potential suspicion by NABU.
Media sources report dissatisfaction among MPs from the “Servant of the People” party, some of whom informally advised President Zelensky to dismiss Yermak. However, Zelensky declined such recommendations and appointed Yermak as the leader of the Ukrainian delegation for talks in Geneva with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, discussing the so-called Trump plan.
Even if the searches do not have major consequences, the event still damages both Yermak’s reputation and Zelensky’s political standing. Yermak is regarded by the public as a key figure in decision-making, so problems affecting him inevitably reflect on the president himself. Analysts note that while some connect the searches to international politics, Russia is not inclined towards peace negotiations, and these events are unlikely to affect Ukraine’s posture in talks with the US or Russia.
The main question is whether Ukraine’s political system can respond to anti-corruption challenges. One possible solution discussed is the formation of a national unity government to raise governance professionalism and counter risks of populism and corruption. However, experts highlight that such changes are unlikely soon, so political and social crises are expected to continue alongside ongoing anti-corruption investigations and the war with Russia.
