Kyiv, November 30, 2025
Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies searched the home and office of Andriy Yermak, President Zelensky’s chief of staff, on November 28, 2025, linking him to a $100 million energy sector corruption probe connected to the so-called “Mindich-gate.” Yermak has not been charged but resigned following the raids.
Key Details of the Investigation
Andriy Yermak holds a pivotal role as President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff and lead negotiator in peace talks with Russia. On November 28, officers from Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) conducted coordinated searches at both his Kyiv residence and office. Yermak confirmed the operation, stating that investigators had full access and that his legal representatives were present throughout. While he is cooperating fully with the authorities, Yermak has not been formally charged or named a suspect.
The Mindich-Gate Corruption Scandal
This investigation is part of a wider corruption scandal involving approximately $100 million in kickbacks tied to contractors engaged in Ukraine’s energy infrastructure projects. The scandal is commonly referred to as “Mindich-gate,” after Timur Mindich, a former business partner of President Zelensky, who is also implicated. Allegations suggest that contracts for energy infrastructure were manipulated to channel illicit payments to various officials, raising concerns about governance at the highest levels.
Political Ramifications and Resignations
Shortly after the searches, President Zelensky announced Yermak’s resignation, signaling a significant disruption in his inner circle during a turbulent period marked by ongoing conflict with Russia. The scandal has already led to the resignations of the justice and energy ministers, intensifying government instability. Yermak’s departure removes one of Zelensky’s closest advisors at a moment when Ukraine faces intense external pressures to maintain transparency and reform.
Public and Political Reactions
Within Ukraine, the investigation has sparked widespread discussion about entrenched corruption in government. Lawmakers and anti-corruption activists have raised concerns that Yermak may have been referenced under the derogatory nickname “Ali Baba” in investigative recordings, indicating possible involvement beyond official statements. The affair fuels ongoing debate about accountability in Ukraine’s political system.
Implications for Ukraine’s Governance and International Relations
The raids and resulting political shake-ups underscore Ukraine’s continued struggle to combat corruption despite receiving substantial international financial support. The timing of the investigation coincides with heightened expectations from Western allies for governance reforms and anti-corruption measures. How Ukraine navigates this scandal will likely influence its domestic political stability and the credibility of its leadership on the global stage.
As the investigation continues, the case will be closely monitored for developments that could reshape Ukraine’s political landscape amid its enduring challenges.