Kyiv Court Orders Ex-Zelenskyy Adviser Yermak Detained, Sets $3.2 million Bail

A court in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, has ordered the detention of former presidential adviser Andriy Yermak in connection with a luxury real estate corruption case, setting bail at about 140 million hryvnias ($3.2 million).

Yermak, who served as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff between 2020 and 2025, appeared in court on May 14, where the ruling was delivered. It remains unclear whether he will be able to raise the bail amount.

“I don’t have that kind of money,” Yermak told the court, adding that his legal team would challenge the decision on appeal.

Once regarded as one of the most influential figures in Ukrainian politics and a longtime ally of Zelenskyy dating back to the president’s entertainment career, Yermak resigned in November 2025 amid mounting pressure from anti-corruption investigators.

Authorities allege that funds earmarked for Ukraine’s air-defense systems were diverted and used by Yermak and members of his family to acquire luxury properties.

Although investigators have not implicated President Zelenskyy in the alleged scheme, the scandal has added to concerns about corruption in Ukraine and dented the president’s reformist image.

Court proceedings have also drawn attention over allegations that Yermak consulted an astrologer before making key personnel decisions while in office.

Before the corruption allegations surfaced, Yermak was widely viewed as one of the most powerful officials in Ukraine’s government.

The case comes as Zelenskyy faces growing political pressure amid public fatigue over the ongoing war with Russia, now entering its fifth year. While martial law imposed after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 has prevented new elections, political observers say potential challengers to Zelenskyy are beginning to emerge.