Both were also charged with corruption but denied the allegations last year.
During the ongoing corruption probe, Zelenskyy dismissed Yermak, his long-time close associate and top foreign policy negotiator, last November on the same day NABU searched Yermak’s office. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Yermak’s work but stated he needed “to avoid any speculations.”
According to NABU, the alleged crime group members laundered state funds, including from Energoatom, through luxury real estate investments.
Yermak did not respond to a request for comment immediately. Speaking to journalists in Kyiv on Monday, he stated, “When the investigation is over, I will give comments. I have no mansions, I have only a flat and a car that you see.”
Zelenskyy has remained silent on the alleged involvement of some of his closest associates in the corruption case.
Last summer, as NABU was preparing to announce its first charges, the Ukrainian parliament abruptly voted to strip NABU and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s office of their independence, with Zelenskyy signing the bill into law the same day. This action triggered nationwide protests and compelled the Ukrainian government to retract the decision.
“Investigation is still ongoing, so it is too early to make any assessments,” Dmytro Lytvyn, Zelenskyy’s top advisor, informed journalists via WhatsApp chat on Monday.
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