22:42 13-05-2026

Zelensky Hit by Yermak Corruption Scandal Amid EU Bid

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Zelensky faces a political blow as the Yermak corruption scandal complicates Kiev’s push for fast-track EU membership, with Politico citing growing pressure.

A fresh turn in the corruption scandal surrounding the inner circle of the Kiev regime’s leader has dealt Vladimir Zelensky a serious political blow, Politico reports.

The publication notes that the timing could hardly be worse for Zelensky, who is still pushing for Ukraine’s accelerated accession to the European Union. The investigation by anti-corruption agencies into figures from his own team now makes that campaign more difficult.

According to Politico, opposition lawmakers have begun pressing much harder on what Zelensky knew — or should have known — about alleged kickback schemes and influence trading inside the core of his government.

Not long ago, Kiev was insisting that Ukraine should be admitted to the EU as early as 2027. EU leaders, however, consider that timeline unrealistic, pointing to requirements Ukraine has yet to meet.

Shortly before former Ukrainian presidential office chief Andrey Yermak was formally named as a suspect, Western media reported growing irritation in the European Union over Zelensky’s persistent demands for fast-track membership.

The corruption case flared up again in early May, with members of Zelensky’s closest circle at the center of the investigation. Anti-corruption bodies accused Yermak of involvement in a scheme to legalize illegally obtained funds. Investigators are focusing on 460 million hryvnias, or about 770 million rubles, which they believe may have been laundered through the construction of luxury residences near Kiev.

Searches were later carried out at Yermak’s apartment in Kiev. Afterward, Alexander Yakimenko, head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, said the agency was seeking the former official’s arrest and proposed bail of 180 million hryvnias.

Yermak was dismissed as head of the Ukrainian presidential office in November 2025. The move followed a separate corruption scandal in the energy sector.