Anti-corruption authorities have conducted raids on both the residence and office of Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This development poses a challenging distraction for Kyiv, which is not only striving to repel Russia’s invasion but also negotiating with U.S. officials regarding peace proposals.

Ukraine’s two leading anti-corruption agencies have confirmed searches of Yermak’s office space. Yermak, a significant figure in Ukraine’s political sphere and a crucial player in dialogues with the U.S., acknowledged that his home was also targeted in these searches.

“The investigators are encountering no hindrances,” Yermak stated via Telegram, emphasizing his full cooperation and noting that his legal representatives were present during the process.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office spearhead the investigation into an alleged $100 million corruption scheme within the energy sector, involving high-ranking Ukrainian officials.

Previously, two of Yermak’s former deputies, Oleh Tatarov and Rostyslav Shurma, departed from their governmental roles in 2024 following investigations into financial misconduct. Meanwhile, another deputy, Andrii Smyrnov, remains in his position despite facing inquiries related to bribery and other allegations.

The scandal has heaped more problems on Zelensky as he seeks continued support from Western countries for Ukraine’s war effort and tries to ensure continued foreign funding. The European Union, which Ukraine wants to join, has told Zelensky he must crack down on graft.

Zelensky faced an unprecedented rebellion from his own lawmakers earlier this month after investigators published details of their energy sector investigation.

Although Yermak was not accused of any wrongdoing, several senior lawmakers in Zelensky’s party said Yermak should take responsibility for the debacle in order to restore public trust.

Some said that if Zelensky didn’t fire him, the party could split, threatening the president’s parliamentary majority. But Zelensky defied them.

Zelensky urged Ukrainians to unite and “stop the political games” in light of the US pressure to reach a settlement with Russia.

Yermak met Zelensky over 15 years ago when he was a lawyer venturing into the TV production business and Zelensky was a famous Ukrainian comedian and actor.

He oversaw foreign affairs as part of Zelensky’s first presidential team and was promoted to chief of staff in February 2020.

Yermak has accompanied Zelensky on every trip abroad since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, and the president’s trust in him has made Yermak’s power appear almost untouchable.

Domestically, officials describe Yermak as Zelensky’s gatekeeper, and he is widely believed to have chosen all top government appointees, including prime ministers and ministers.

Individuals connected to Yermak and the president’s office have come under investigation before.