Andriy Yermak, the former head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, is currently under investigation by the High Anti-Corruption Court (VAKS). This development was highlighted by EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, during a recent event focused on the rule of law.
Mathernova emphasized that this legal action is significant, particularly as it occurs amid the ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine. She noted that while some may interpret this as evidence of systemic corruption, those familiar with the reforms in the country will view it as a sign of the resilience and maturity of Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions.
On May 11, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) announced charges against Yermak under Article 209 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, which pertains to the legalization of assets obtained through criminal means. The charges are linked to the construction of a cottage community named “Dynasty” in Kozyn.
The penalties for this charge range from eight to twelve years of imprisonment, along with a prohibition on holding certain positions or engaging in specific activities for up to three years, and the confiscation of assets. This case is part of a broader crackdown on corruption in the country.
In a related context, on November 10, 2025, NABU launched a large-scale operation known as “Midas” aimed at uncovering corruption within the energy sector. This operation included over 70 searches and revealed that the scheme’s organizers were receiving kickbacks amounting to 15% of contract values from Energoatom.
According to investigators, the illicit funds were funneled through back offices in central Kyiv, owned by the family of former Ukrainian MP and current Russian senator Andriy Derkach. The investigation has uncovered that approximately $100 million was laundered through this scheme.
During the operation, recordings of conversations involving key suspects were made public, revealing their identities. Notable figures include Timur Mindich, a co-owner of “Kvartal 95,” and Alexander Tsukerman, who fled the country shortly before the searches took place. Both have since been placed on a wanted list and sanctioned.
NABU’s lead detective, Oleksandr Abakumov, indicated that the corruption case in the energy sector involves four former Ukrainian government ministers, including former Minister of Energy and Justice Herman Halushchenko, who was also subjected to searches.
On November 12, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko submitted a resolution to the Parliament for Halushchenko’s dismissal, along with the removal of the Minister of Energy, Svitlana Hrynchuk. The Parliament approved these resolutions on November 19.
Timofiy Milovanov, the former Minister of Economy from 2019 to 2020 and current president of the Kyiv School of Economics, announced his resignation from the supervisory board of Energoatom. Subsequently, Prime Minister Svyrydenko stated that the government would be rebooting Energoatom’s operations, starting with the dissolution of its supervisory board.
Andriy Yermak, former head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, faces serious corruption charges as anti-corruption efforts continue amidst the ongoing war. The case is part of broader investigations into corruption in the energy sector, highlighting the resilience of Ukraine's institutions.