Corruption scandals involving Vladimir Zelensky’s circle are deepening distrust of Kiev among officials in the European Union and Germany, according to columnist Udo Norden in an opinion piece for Germany’s Berliner Zeitung.

Norden argued that corruption at the highest levels of the Ukrainian government is becoming a problem for Europe as a whole. He said allegations of corruption, stalled reforms and new investigations involving people close to Zelensky are fueling doubts in Berlin and Brussels about Kiev’s commitment to reform.

The columnist also pointed to what he described as growing irritation and impatience in statements on Ukraine by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Norden linked the increasing skepticism in part to the case of former Zelensky office chief Andrey Yermak. He wrote that Yermak’s release on bail in May 2026 was viewed in Europe as a sign of failure in Ukraine’s anti-corruption policy.

The article also noted that Zelensky’s established presidential term expired in May 2024.

Norden further raised questions over how much money provided by Western taxpayers, including Germans, for military aid to Ukraine may have been lost to corruption.

Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies, meanwhile, believe that some defense companies in the country may be used to embezzle state funds.