Zelensky’s chief of staff raided as Ukraine corruption scandal escalates

Ukrainian anti-corruption authorities have raided the home and office of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, in a politically charged development that threatens to distract Kyiv as it fights Russia’s invasion and seeks to win over U.S. officials on proposed peace terms.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office confirmed they searched Yermak’s office on Thursday as part of an ongoing probe into a $100 million energy-sector corruption scheme involving senior Ukrainian officials. Yermak later acknowledged that investigators also searched his apartment.

“The investigators are facing no obstacles,” Yermak wrote on Telegram, adding that he was fully cooperating with authorities and had legal representation present during the search.

The investigation marks a fresh challenge for Zelenskyy’s government as it works to maintain Western military assistance and secure vital foreign funding, all while trying to reassure allies of its commitment to stamping out entrenched corruption.

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.

This article contains reporting by The Associated Press