Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Court Orders Arrest of Andriy Yermak

On May 14, 2026, Ukraine’s anti-corruption court issued an arrest warrant for Andriy Yermak, a notable ally of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, due to money laundering charges. The court set bail at 140 million hryvnias, approximately $3.19 million, which could permit Yermak’s release pending the final outcome of his case. Yermak, who firmly denies the accusations, stated he lacks the funds for bail and plans to seek assistance from friends and acquaintances.

Yermak’s legal team intends to appeal the court’s decision, exploring every legal option to uncover the truth and achieve justice. Ukrainian officials identified Yermak as a suspect in a substantial corruption inquiry. His arrest marks a significant advance by anti-corruption investigators towards Zelenskyy’s inner circle.

The anti-graft agencies in Ukraine suspect Yermak participated in a criminal network that laundered around $10.5 million through a high-end housing project near Kyiv. Yermak, once regarded as the second most influential individual in Ukraine after Zelenskyy, exerted significant control over Ukrainian politics without holding an elected office.

Previously a film producer and entertainment attorney, Yermak often appeared with the president during public engagements and acted as Kyiv’s primary negotiator in U.S.-supported peace discussions with Russia. His resignation last year coincided with a larger government overhaul aimed at restoring confidence in the presidential office amid centralized power concerns.

While the charges against Yermak may not pose an immediate threat to Zelenskyy, they could affect his reputation if he pursues re-election post-war. Prosecutors emphasized that Zelenskyy has no involvement in the case. There has been no immediate response from Zelenskyy’s office regarding the court’s decision. The Kremlin has dismissed the issue as a challenge for the Kyiv authorities and is not monitoring the case.

Simultaneously, Kyiv and other regions faced heavy assaults by Russian drones, along with ballistic and cruise missiles overnight, breaking a brief ceasefire orchestrated by the U.S. Peace talks in Ukraine have reached an impasse amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Ukrainian authorities reported at least five fatalities and many injuries during the strikes. In Kyiv, substantial damage occurred to a residential area, leaving a section of a building demolished.

President Zelenskyy revealed on social media that more than 1,560 drones targeted Ukrainian cities and communities since midnight. Rescue efforts are ongoing in Kyiv, with 11 individuals rescued so far, according to Mayor Vitalii Klitschko. Russia’s defense ministry confirmed a significant offensive targeting military infrastructures but did not mention the residential destruction in Kyiv.

Statements from Moscow suggested a potential end to the four-year invasion of Ukraine, although the Kremlin clarified many steps remain before a peace agreement. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin indicated the Sarmat missile would become operational later this year, maintaining a firm stance on defense strategies.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticized the recent attacks, which occurred during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to China, as indicative of Russia’s intent to persist with the conflict despite peace initiatives led by Washington. Sybiha urged global leaders to exert pressure on Moscow to terminate the hostilities.