Ukraine’s president faces political collapse as a $100 million embezzlement scandal forces the resignation of his closest aide, exposing the corruption festering within Kyiv’s leadership during wartime—precisely when Trump administration peace negotiations demand stability.
Quick Take
- Andriy Yermak, Ukraine’s second-most powerful official and chief negotiator with the Trump administration, forced to resign following corruption raids on November 29, 2025
- $100 million embezzlement scheme centered on energy infrastructure funds diverted through kickback payments to government officials during active war
- Zelensky’s approval rating collapsed to below 20 percent—the lowest since his 2019 election—as multiple ministers resigned amid investigation
- Scandal undermines Ukraine’s diplomatic leverage with the U.S. and contradicts the democratic narrative justifying continued Western military support
- Investigation suggests systemic corruption linked to business associates who brought Zelensky to power, raising questions about his knowledge and complicity
Corruption at the Highest Levels During National Emergency
Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) raided the apartment of Andriy Yermak on November 28-29, 2025, forcing his resignation hours later. Yermak held the position of chief of staff and served as Ukraine’s lead negotiator in Trump administration peace talks.
The investigation centers on “Operation Midas,” a $100 million embezzlement scheme involving government officials receiving kickback payments ranging from 10 to 15 percent of contract values from energy infrastructure contractors. Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk and Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko resigned following the raids, with former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov also named in the investigation.
Embezzled Funds Meant for War Defense
The stolen funds were designated for fortifications on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure—critical resources needed to protect civilians and military capacity from Russian missile bombardment. During wartime, when the population faces daily blackouts and missile attacks, the diversion of these resources to corrupt officials represents a betrayal of soldiers and civilians sacrificing for national survival.
Ukrainian citizens have responded with what observers describe as “immense anger and disgust” over the revelation that government officials stole defense resources while falsely promising them democracy and freedom.
Zelensky’s Political Legitimacy Collapses
Zelensky’s approval rating has plummeted nearly 40 percentage points and now stands below 20 percent—the lowest mark since his 2019 election victory. For the first time since Russia’s invasion began, more Ukrainians distrust than trust their president.
This catastrophic loss of domestic political legitimacy occurs at the worst possible moment: during active warfare and critical peace negotiations. The collapse extends beyond elite political circles to the broader population, indicating the scandal has fractured public confidence in Zelensky’s government.
Connections to Oligarchs and Power Networks
The investigation reveals that Yermak and Zelensky’s business associate Timur Mindich—co-owner of Zelensky’s former television studio—stand at the center of the embezzlement network. Mindich fled to Israel before NABU could raid his apartment, suggesting coordinated efforts to evade investigation.
The relationships connecting Zelensky, Yermak, Mindich, and oligarch Igor Kolomoysky were forged during Zelensky’s rise to power and created networks of mutual obligation that enabled corruption. These connections raise questions about whether Zelensky could have remained unaware of massive embezzlement involving his own cabinet ministers.
Weakened Negotiating Position with Trump Administration
Yermak’s forced resignation removes Ukraine’s lead negotiator in Trump administration peace talks, creating uncertainty about diplomatic continuity at a critical moment. The scandal weakens Ukraine’s negotiating position by allowing Russia to draw distinctions between Ukraine and more authoritarian regimes, undermining Ukraine’s self-presentation as a democracy worth supporting.
The corruption scandal complicates international justifications for continued military and financial aid, as allies question whether resources directed to Ukraine reach their intended purposes or disappear through corrupt channels.
Zelensky faces political peril as corruption scandal consumes top aide https://t.co/8ZLKPu0NvD
— Newsandviews (@Newsandvie41685) December 1, 2025
Executive Attempts to Suppress Anti-Corruption Investigations
In July 2025, Zelensky attempted to limit the power of NABU and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), justifying the move as necessary to combat “Russian influence.” This action preceded the corruption revelations by several months and suggests Zelensky possessed awareness of embezzlement within his government.
Simultaneously, Ukraine’s security services (SBU)—aligned with Zelensky—conducted counter-raids on NABU. NABU officials publicly stated that Yermak was “openly attempting to undermine” the investigation prior to his resignation, and Yermak allegedly ordered SBU forces to prepare charges against SAPO’s head to disrupt the investigation.
Systemic Governance Vulnerabilities Exposed
The scandal reveals fundamental structural vulnerabilities in Ukraine’s governance model. Zelensky, a former comedian with no prior political experience, centralized power around the presidential office with Yermak as the primary architect of this top-down system.
While power concentration may have seemed necessary during wartime, it created conditions enabling corruption by concentrating decision-making authority without adequate checks and balances. The apparent systemic nature of the corruption—involving multiple high-level officials rather than isolated bad actors—raises questions about whether independent institutions can function even under existential military threat.
