The former chief of the Ukrainian presidential administration, Andrii Yermak, considered for years one of the most influential people in President Volodymyr Zelensky’s inner circle, has been placed in pre-trial detention for 60 days in a corruption and money laundering case.
The decision was made by the High Anti-Corruption Court in Kiev, which also set a bail of 140 million hryvnias, approximately 2.7 million euros.
According to the Ukrainian publication Pravda, Yermak stated in court that he does not have the required amount and hopes to be helped by "friends." His lawyers have already announced that they will challenge the pre-trial detention measure.
The case revolves around the alleged laundering of over 460 million hryvnias (approximately 9 million euros) through the construction of a luxury residential complex in the town of Kozyn, located south of Kiev, one of the most exclusive areas in Ukraine.
The Investigation Shaking Zelensky's Inner Circle
According to investigators, part of the funds used for the real estate project may have originated from corruption schemes related to Energoatom, the state company managing Ukraine's nuclear sector.
Kiev Independent reports that prosecutors allege the existence of a mechanism through which high-ranking officials at Energoatom would receive commissions of 10-15% from suppliers in exchange for maintaining contracts and avoiding the blocking of their products or services.
Investigators claim that one of the four villas built through this scheme was intended for Yermak himself.
The former Ukrainian official was officially charged on May 11 with money laundering. If found guilty, he could face up to 12 years in prison. Six other individuals are indicted in the same case.
"I Have Only One Name: Andrii Yermak"
During the hearings, prosecutors presented several conversations and documents in which Yermak was allegedly referred to by the code names "R2," "A.B.," and "LL."
Prosecutor Valentina Hrebeniuk stated that an Excel file found on an architect's phone contained meetings related to the real estate project, with "R2" accompanied by the initials "A.B.," which investigators claim refer to "Andrii Borysovych," Yermak's patronymic.
He denied the accusations and mocked the prosecutors' arguments. "I have heard many names and different nicknames from the respected representatives of the prosecution. I want to say that I have only one name: Andrii Yermak," he declared in court.
Yermak and his lawyer have argued that the case is based "95% on assumptions" and have accused public pressure on anti-corruption institutions for formulating the charges.
From Strongman of the System to Sole Defendant in the Courtroom
Kiev Independent notes that Andrii Yermak was recently considered one of the most powerful figures in Ukraine, playing a major role in political and administrative appointments.
Several Ukrainian parliamentarians described to the Kiev publication the atmosphere surrounding him as one of fear and control, with one stating that after his departure, "it became easier to breathe."
In contrast to the image of a "strongman" cultivated for years, Yermak appeared almost alone in court. No significant political allies came to support him.
The only person present in his defense was the controversial activist Irma Krat, who brought an icon into the courtroom.
Bizarre Accusations: Astrologers, Feng Shui, and "SBU Maximum Program"
One of the most unusual episodes of the trial involved prosecutors' allegations that Yermak consulted an astrologer for key state appointments.
According to prosecutors, Yermak corresponded with a contact saved in his phone as "Veronika Feng Shui Office," to whom he sent the birth dates of candidates for public positions.
Ukrainian journalists identified the woman as Veronika Anikiievich, an astrologer from Kiev.
Investigators claim that she was consulted regarding the appointment of the Deputy Chief of the Presidential Administration Oleg Tatarov, Health Minister Viktor Liashko, and former Prosecutor General Irina Venediktova.
Furthermore, during a search at the end of 2025 in Yermak's driver's car, investigators found documents titled "SBU Ukraine Maximum Program," allegedly containing plans for appointments within the Ukrainian secret service.
Yermak denied all accusations, including information about alleged esoteric consultations. "I know a few Veronikas. I have many acquaintances. I certainly did not communicate with a fortune-teller, nor did I have voodoo dolls," he stated.
Silence at the Top of Power in Kiev
As the scandal escalates, President Volodymyr Zelensky has not publicly commented on the case of his former close collaborator.
Presidential adviser Dmytro Litvin only conveyed that "esotericism, numerology, and feng shui are not practiced in the president's office."
According to Pravda, if Yermak pays the bail, he will be required to wear an electronic bracelet, stay in Kiev, and avoid any contact with other defendants or witnesses in the case. The court's decision can be appealed within five days.