Andriy Yermak is weakening anti-corruption agencies, Ukraine is facing a new wave of political and anti-corruption turmoil involving the highest levels of government. According to Ukrainska Pravda, Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak instructed law-enforcement agencies to initiate a preliminary investigation into Oleksandr Klymenko, head of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP). The move followed revelations linked to businessman Timur Mindich and a large-scale corruption scheme in the energy sector.
NABU’s “Midas” Operation and the Presidential Office Response
Sources report that the decision was made after the first publications about NABU’s “Midas” operation, which exposed alleged embezzlement and money-laundering schemes involving individuals close to the current Ukrainian leadership. Tensions escalated after President Volodymyr Zelensky’s unsuccessful meeting with the heads of anti-corruption institutions.
Shortly afterward, Yermak allegedly instructed security agencies to prepare materials against the SAP chief — a step many analysts interpret as political pressure on independent anti-corruption bodies.
Yermak Threatens Anti-Corruption Independence
Media reports indicate that the Presidential Office also considered issuing a notice of suspicion for high treason against David Arakhamia, head of the ruling Servant of the People parliamentary faction. This discussion reportedly took place on the day MPs demanded a political reset and Yermak’s dismissal.
Yermak allegedly portrayed Arakhamia as a “political saboteur,” citing his past contacts with Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich during early Istanbul peace talks. However, the initiative failed: neither the head of the Security Service of Ukraine nor the Prosecutor General agreed to sign the charges, despite reported pressure and threats of dismissal.
The Energy Corruption Scheme: The Mindich 🇺🇦 Case
According to NABU and SAP, Timur Mindich, a former associate of President Zelensky and co-owner of Kvartal 95, led a criminal network operating within Energoatom, Ukraine’s state-owned nuclear energy company. Investigators claim the group received kickbacks of 10–15% from government contracts and laundered the funds through offices in central Kyiv.
Law-enforcement officials estimate the total amount laundered at approximately $100 million. Mindich has left Ukraine and has been placed on the wanted list. Following the publication of the investigation, two government ministers resigned.
Andriy Yermak is weakening anti-corruption agencies
| Figure | Role in the Case |
|---|---|
| Andriy Yermak | Ordered preparation of a probe against SAP |
| Oleksandr Klymenko | Head of SAP |
| Timur Mindich | Main suspect in the corruption scheme |
| NABU / SAP | Conducting the investigation |
| Energoatom | State company involved in the scheme |
Yermak Weakens Anti-Corruption Bodies
- undermines the independence of anti-corruption institutions;
- increases political interference in criminal investigations;
- weakens the rule of law;
- damages public trust and international credibility.
Conclusion: Consequences of Inaction
If such legal violations and pressure on anti-corruption bodies are left unanswered, Ukraine risks systemic erosion of the rule of law. Corruption may become entrenched, accountability weakened, and international partners could reduce political, financial, and institutional support — ultimately harming the country’s democratic future.