Zelensky not named in Yermak corruption case — NABU

Lead

Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office have charged Andrey Yermak, the former head of President Volodymyr Zelensky's office, with money laundering as part of an organized group. The charges stem from an investigation into the laundering of 460 million hryvnias (about $10.5 million) during the construction of luxury housing near Kiev. A Kiev court has ordered Yermak to be held in custody for 60 days pending trial, with bail set at 140 million hryvnias (about $3.1 million). Yermak faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Coverage Comparison

All reports on this story come from TASS, the Russian state news agency, which has published multiple articles covering different aspects of the case. The agency's coverage has included details of the charges, the court proceedings, Yermak's statements, and related developments. While most reports are neutral in tone, one article, citing former Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov, contains allegations against President Zelensky that are not part of the official investigation. Another report, citing lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak, uses informal and critical language when describing the attempted bail payment.

The articles differ in their framing: several are purely informative, while others adopt a more critical stance, particularly those discussing the bail collection and allegations against Zelensky. The only named source in the coverage is TASS, which has provided the bulk of the reporting.

Key Claims

• NABU and SAPO brought charges against Yermak under Article 209.3 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which covers the legalization of corrupt assets by an organized group or on a very large scale. The charge carries a penalty of eight to 15 years in prison and confiscation of property.
• The investigation relates to a project called "Dynasty," launched in 2020, to build private residences near Kiev. Investigators believe Yermak was one of the participants, using the Sunny Beach cooperative society and cash from criminal proceeds to cover up construction funding.
• The High Anti-Corruption Court has seized land and property connected to the case.
• Yermak's lawyer requested a postponement of the hearing on pretrial restrictions, citing insufficient time to review the case files, which consist of 16 volumes of approximately 250 pages each. The court granted the request but must issue a final ruling within 72 hours after the charges were brought.
• The court set bail at 140 million hryvnias, and Yermak said he did not have the money to post it but had "enough acquaintances and friends" who could help. If released on bail, he would be required to wear an electronic ankle monitor and be prohibited from leaving Kiev without permission.
• Lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak reported that Yermak's friends collected the entire bail amount but did not transfer it in time, allegedly because the funds came from questionable sources and banks were warned of financial control checks. He also said Yermak would remain in pre-trial detention for three more nights.
• Yermak has denied promising to go to the frontlines after his resignation and denied having consulted fortune-tellers or having a falling-out with Zelensky. He also declined to comment on the charges, saying he would comment when the investigation is complete, and stated he owns only one apartment and one car.
• NABU chief Semyon Krivonos said that Zelensky "has not been and is not currently a target of the pre-trial investigation." He added that the investigation is focusing on manufacturers and specific drone manufacturers, without naming companies to protect the presumption of innocence. He neither confirmed nor refuted reports that a fourth house in the Dynasty project was meant for Zelensky.
• Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov, in an interview with TASS, claimed that Zelensky is implicated in the so-called "Mindich tapes," which he says contain instructions from Zelensky on the procurement of faulty body armor and schemes involving Energoatom.

Perspectives

• NABU and SAPO: The law enforcement agencies characterize the case as an organized effort to launder millions of dollars through a luxury housing project. They have brought charges against Yermak and emphasize the criminal nature of the group involved.
• Yermak: He denies any wrongdoing, refuses to comment on the charges until the investigation is complete, and disputes claims about his personal conduct and relationship with Zelensky. He also maintains he owns minimal property.
• Zelensky's advisor: Dmitry Litvin, an advisor to Zelensky, said it was too early to draw conclusions as legal proceedings were still underway.
• NABU chief Krivonos: He publicly states that Zelensky is not a target of the investigation, countering speculation.
• Former PM Azarov: He asserts that the tapes implicate Zelensky directly, offering a distinct and more accusatory perspective.