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Anti-Corruption Raid at Zelensky Aide’s Kyiv Home Deepens Political Strain During Peace Talks

10:15 PM, 11/28/2025
Anti-Corruption Raid at Zelensky Aide’s Kyiv Home Deepens Political Strain During Peace Talks

Key points: Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies searched the Kyiv home of Andriy Yermak, President Zelensky’s chief of staff, amid an investigation into an alleged kickback scheme tied to energy infrastructure. Yermak says he is fully cooperating and lawyers are present. The raid comes as Ukraine faces fraught negotiations and public scrutiny over corruption reforms and high-level accountability.

Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies searched the Kyiv residence of Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff and a leading negotiator, escalating political pressure as Kyiv navigates sensitive talks with the United States and Russia.

Yermak confirmed the search on Telegram and said he was cooperating with investigators. "The investigators are not encountering any obstacles. They have been given full access to the apartment, and my lawyers are on site, interacting with law enforcement officials," he wrote.

Who carried out the raid

Both the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) participated in the operation, the agencies said in a joint statement. They did not disclose the precise grounds for the search.

Allegations and context

The action follows an announcement two weeks earlier that investigators were examining an alleged kickback scheme tied to Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure. That probe has already contributed to the resignation of two cabinet ministers and implicated figures connected to Zelensky’s pre-presidential business life.

The timing is politically sensitive: Yermak was recently placed at the head of Ukraine’s negotiating team as talks with international partners continue. A recent U.S. peace proposal — criticized by many for aligning with demands made by Russia, including controversial points on territory, defense posture and international alliances — has heightened tensions in Kyiv and among European partners.

Domestic politics and reforms

Ukraine’s long-standing corruption challenges remain a central obstacle to deeper integration with the EU. International partners have repeatedly urged Kyiv to strengthen anti-graft institutions. Earlier this year, a hastily passed law that temporarily placed NABU and SAPO under the prosecutor general’s oversight prompted domestic protests and criticism from watchdogs; the government later reversed that move and restored the agencies’ independence.

Recent allegations involving close associates of the president — including a former business partner and senior former officials — are increasing pressure on Zelensky as his administration juggles accountability at home with high-stakes diplomacy abroad.

European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho: "These investigations show that Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies are doing their work."

The investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not released a full explanation of the raid, and Yermak says he is cooperating fully with law enforcement.

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