Andriy Yermak, the former head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, has refuted claims that he consulted with a fortune teller known as “Veronika Feng Shui Office” during his tenure regarding high-level government appointments.
This statement comes in response to allegations presented during a court hearing at the High Anti-Corruption Court (VAKS), where it was suggested that Yermak had sought advice from a figure named Veronika Anikievych regarding appointments, including that of Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Oleg Tatarov and the Prime Minister.
Yermak stated, “I have several acquaintances named Veronika, but I find it difficult to comment on this particular individual. I heard many names during the court proceedings, but I do not know these people at all.” He further indicated that he does not recall the surnames of the Veronikas he knows, including whether Anikievych is among them.
“Honestly? Something sounds familiar, but with so many people, I can’t recall if she is a friend or acquaintance. There are indeed acquaintances named Veronika, but this has nothing to do with my responsibilities during my time as head of the Presidential Office,” Yermak asserted.
Yermak, a lawyer with 30 years of experience, emphasized that he has encountered many individuals throughout his career. He categorically denied any communication with fortune tellers.
“I have definitely not consulted with fortune tellers. I have never engaged with them, nor have I ever used voodoo dolls or anything of that nature,” he stated.
He also dismissed claims that he sought advice on various appointments, including that of Iryna Veneditkova as Prosecutor General. “How could I consult someone regarding the appointment of the Prosecutor General, who is elected by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine?” Yermak questioned.
Yermak noted that during his time in the Presidential Office, there were instances where individuals attempted to leverage his name, claiming to act on his behalf. “I always made it clear that I never had a crown on my head, so I would directly call and address matters solely in the interest of the state, never for personal reasons. I advised anyone misrepresenting themselves in my name to contact law enforcement,” he added.
Details of the Yermak Case
According to the prosecutor during the court session regarding Yermak’s preventive measure, it was revealed that while serving as head of the Presidential Office, he allegedly discussed an ongoing case against him with a fortune teller and mentioned the names of high-ranking officials.
On December 24, 2025, when law enforcement conducted searches at Yermak’s driver’s residence, he reportedly sent Anikievych a message containing the surnames of the heads of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP), Oleksandr Klymenko and Serhiy Kryvonos, respectively. In response, she allegedly informed him that he was being psychologically terrorized but needed to understand that “the situation is such that it’s either you or them.”
Yermak’s subsequent message to her included a list of names, stating he was “ready for anything.”
Earlier, blogger Ihor Lachenkov reported that during a search of Yermak’s residence, items associated with rituals were discovered, including a voodoo doll, numerous mirrors, unusual icons, and bracelets.
The High Anti-Corruption Court is currently deliberating on a preventive measure for Yermak, who is suspected of laundering funds obtained through criminal means. A decision is expected to be announced tomorrow, May 14.
Andriy Yermak, former head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, has denied allegations of consulting a fortune teller regarding government appointments. The claims emerged during a court hearing related to corruption charges against him.