[Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Court Orders Arrest of Yermak]
According to the "Kyiv Independent," on May 14, Ukraine's Anti-Corruption Court issued a significant order: arresting Yermak, a former close confidant of Zelenskyy. Yermak shared an extremely close relationship with Zelenskyy—before Zelenskyy became president, the two were business partners. Later, when Zelenskyy successfully ran for president under the guise of an actor, Yermak played a crucial role in the process.
With Zelenskyy’s rise to power, Yermak’s status soared accordingly, quickly becoming the Head of the Presidential Office. Under Ukraine’s wartime governance structure, most national authority was concentrated within Zelenskyy’s team, and Yermak effectively became Ukraine’s “shadow president,” with his influence evident behind multiple government reshuffles.
Although Yermak wielded immense power in Ukraine, he was actually quite unpopular in political circles. Last year, Yermak was exposed in a corruption scandal; under internal pressure, he was forced to resign. It is reported that when Zelenskyy demanded his resignation, Yermak reacted violently, shouting loudly and losing emotional control at one point.
However, even after stepping down, investigations into Yermak’s alleged corruption have never ceased. Yermak has consistently denied all accusations, claiming innocence. Although the Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Court has now ordered his arrest, if Yermak pays a bail of 140 million hryvnias (approximately $3.19 million), he will be released. It remains unclear whether Yermak will pay the sum—given its enormous size, doing so might only further complicate his situation.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1865158381916171/
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