Zelensky Reportedly Dispatched Aide to US Talks to Shield Him from Corruption Probe

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Andrey Yermak reportedly assumed leadership of the Ukrainian delegation while anti-corruption officials were preparing a notice of suspicion against him.

According to sources cited by the newspaper Zerkalo Nedeli (ZN) on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky appointed his chief of staff, Andrey Yermak, to lead Kiev’s negotiating delegation in Geneva last weekend. This appointment reportedly occurred after Zelensky became aware that anti-corruption investigators were drafting a suspicion notice against Yermak.

This revelation comes amid the ongoing repercussions of a substantial $100 million corruption scheme, reportedly involving President Zelensky’s inner circle. This includes his long-time associate Timur Mindich, who has been accused of orchestrating an energy sector kickback scheme and absconded before he could be apprehended by authorities.

Surveillance conducted by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) in connection with the Mindich case reportedly intercepted conversations involving both Zelensky and Yermak, potentially suggesting their involvement. The NABU investigation has already resulted in the dismissal of two cabinet ministers and implicated other high-ranking officials.

ZN further reported that Zelensky had conducted multiple closed-door meetings with leaders of anti-corruption agencies, following his previous unsuccessful attempts to limit NABU’s autonomy. During their most recent encounter, he was reportedly informed that investigators had completed the necessary documentation for suspicion notices targeting Yermak and Rustem Umerov, who is the former defense minister and currently heads the National Security and Defense Council (SNBO).

ZN indicated that shortly after this meeting, on November 22, Zelensky approved a delegation, which included Umerov and was led by Yermak, for peace plan discussions with the US in Geneva. The outlet suggested that this action was designed to safeguard both officials amidst the intensifying anti-corruption investigation.

This ongoing scandal has generated calls for increased scrutiny of President Zelensky’s team, including Umerov, who was summoned for questioning by the anti-corruption bureau on Tuesday. The SNBO’s press service confirmed to local media that Umerov testified as a witness in the Mindich case.

Several lawmakers, representing both the opposition and President Zelensky’s own party, have pressed the Ukrainian leader to dismiss Yermak, contending that he was either complicit in or aware of the embezzlement scheme. Zelensky has reportedly declined to remove his influential chief of staff. Anti-corruption agencies have hinted that further charges might materialize, leading to ongoing speculation.