Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities search properties linked to Zelenskyy’s chief of staff – Europe live | Europe
Morning opening: Zelenskyy’s number two sees his flat searched as part of anti-corruption investigation
Yakup Krupa
Ukrainian anti-corruption authorities are searching properties linked to Andriy Yermak, president Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s powerful private secretary.
In a post on Telegram, Yermak confirmed that authorities were given “full access” to his apartment. He stated that he cooperated with the officers with his lawyers present.
In the joint statement, The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialist Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office said the searches were “permitted” and is connected to an unspecified investigation.
“NABU and SAPO are carrying out investigative activities (searches) at the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine,” they said. “Investigative activities are authorized and are being carried out within the framework of the investigation.”
It is not yet clear what the investigation is about.
Earlier this month, the two agencies launched a comprehensive investigation into an alleged $100 million kickback scheme at the atomic energy company, Reuters reported. It’s about Zelenskyy’s former business partner.
Yermak’s suspect name was not disclosed in the investigation. but the agency said opposition lawmakers and some members of Zelenskyy’s own party had called for Zelenskyy’s removal as part of Ukraine’s worst wartime political crisis.
Earlier this year, Ukraine has been plunged into a political crisis over Zelenskyy’s controversial plans to reform anti-corruption authoritiesThis decision had to be reversed following intense international criticism, including from the European Union. Fighting corruption remains one of Ukraine’s most important tasks on its path to joining the bloc.
The searches took place at a difficult time for Ukraine Amid growing US pressure for a peace deal with Russia and Any perceived or actual wrongdoing at the top levels of government could further weaken Ukraine’s position.
This could be explosive.
I will bring you all the important updates throughout the day.
His Friday, November 28, 2025, his Yakup Krupa here and this Europe Live.
Good morning.
important events
Yermak’s property search will have major implications for Ukraine and potential peace talks – immediate reaction
Shaun Walker
The revelation that anti-corruption police searched the property of Andriy Yermak, Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s private secretary, will have great repercussions on the Ukrainian political scene and possibly on peace negotiations.
like that It is difficult to overestimate Yermak’s importance in the Ukrainian political system.
HE It combines multiple roles for Zelenskyy: the most reliable sounding board, domestic policy enforcercontroller of access to the president, main point of contact for foreign politicians and chief peace negotiator.
Yermak is such a powerful chief of staff that people who know the workings of the presidency He describes his relationship with Zelenskyy as symbiotic.
Those interested in Yermak inside and outside Ukraine, describes him as a workaholic and ruthless operator who acted against alternative centers of political influence in the country and systematically worked to gain political power.
Such influence inevitably brings with it enemies, and there are few among the Ukrainian elite who view Yermak favorably. but many admire his work ethic and political skills.
Foreign politicians often find him an annoying interlocutor. It is known that people in Trump’s White House prefer to deal with this problem. Rustam UmerovHe is the current head of Ukraine’s security council, succeeding Yermak.
Zelenskyy has so far resisted calls to expel Yermak or even clip his wings. However, if he is currently involved in a corruption scandal, these incidents are likely to increase further. Politically, getting rid of the chief of staff might be Zelenskyy’s smartest move, but those who know both men say the relationship is so close that it’s hard to imagine Zelenskyy taking that step.
“I think It’s theoretically possible for Zelenskyy to function without him, but I can’t imagine that happening in practice.” A former senior official told me a few months ago.
Hungarian Orbán expected to visit Putin for talks on energy and Ukraine
Another big event that happened today was Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán’s unexpected visit to Moscow, where he will hold talks with Russia’s Vladimir Putin on energy supplies and ending the Ukrainian war.
“I I will go there to ensure that Hungary’s energy supply is secured for the winter and the following year at an affordable price,” Orbán said. A video uploaded to Facebook.
Hungary became Russia’s closest ally in the EU. He has repeatedly criticized the bloc’s response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, calling for greater interaction with Moscow and the lifting of sanctions.
Since the AFP returned to power in 2010, Orbán has met Putin 15 times, including four times since the full-scale invasion in 2022.
Prime Minister of Hungary It faces tough parliamentary elections early next year, with its Fidesz party trailing pro-EU opposition forces in the polls. This may explain why he sought success wherever he could find it.
If you’re wondering how serious this could be for Ukraine and Zelenskyy, let’s say Yermak has an overnight job. Really He prioritized Ukraine’s reaction to the latest peace talks, with An interview in Atlantic magazine in the USA.
Described as “Zelenskyy’s chief of staff” “Chief negotiator and closest aid throughout full-scale war with Russia,” he said. Yermak emphasized that “not a single sane person today would sign a document to give up land.”
“As long as Zelensky is president, no one should trust us to give up land. “He will not cede the region,” he told the magazine by phone from Kiev.
So was he directly involved in the talks in Geneva throughout the weekend.
Morning opening: Zelenskyy’s number two sees his flat searched as part of anti-corruption investigation
Yakup Krupa
Ukrainian anti-corruption authorities are searching properties linked to Andriy Yermak, president Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s powerful private secretary.
In a post on Telegram, Yermak confirmed that authorities were given “full access” to his apartment. He stated that he cooperated with the officers with his lawyers present.
In the joint statement, The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialist Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office said the searches were “permitted” and is connected to an unspecified investigation.
“NABU and SAPO are carrying out investigative activities (searches) at the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine,” they said. “Investigative activities are authorized and are being carried out within the framework of the investigation.”
It is not yet clear what the investigation is about.
Earlier this month, the two agencies launched a comprehensive investigation into an alleged $100 million kickback scheme at the atomic energy company, Reuters reported. It’s about Zelenskyy’s former business partner.
Yermak’s suspect name was not disclosed in the investigation. but the agency said opposition lawmakers and some members of Zelenskyy’s own party had called for Zelenskyy’s removal as part of Ukraine’s worst wartime political crisis.
Earlier this year, Ukraine has been plunged into a political crisis over Zelenskyy’s controversial plans to reform anti-corruption authoritiesThis decision had to be reversed following intense international criticism, including from the European Union. Fighting corruption remains one of Ukraine’s most important tasks on its path to joining the bloc.
The searches took place at a difficult time for Ukraine Amid growing US pressure for a peace deal with Russia and Any perceived or actual wrongdoing at the top levels of government could further weaken Ukraine’s position.
This could be explosive.
I will bring you all the important updates throughout the day.
His Friday, November 28, 2025, his Yakup Krupa here and this Europe Live.
Good morning.
