Reports allege that Andriy Jermak, a senior official in President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office, urged Ukrainian prosecutors to target the head of the country’s anti‑corruption agency, sparking a fresh political scandal.
Jermak’s Alleged Push to Prosecute SAPO Head
Unverified reports from “Ukraińska Prawda” say Jermak recommended that law‑enforcement agencies prepare charges against Oleksandor Klymenko, head of the Specialized Anti‑Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). He allegedly organized meetings and assigned tasks to police forces to pursue NABU investigators and SAPO officials. Klymenko dismissed the claim as an abnormal story.
Zelensky’s Decision to Retain Jermak
Journalists found that Zelensky’s inner circle advised him to dismiss Jermak. Instead, the president appointed him chief of the delegation negotiating the US peace‑plan, thereby giving the official temporary protection from possible NABU and SAPO claims.
Midas Operation Exposes Energy‑Sector Corruption
NABU and the Special Anti‑Corruption Prosecutor’s Office uncovered a kick‑back scheme in the energy sector, where officials and businesspeople systematically siphoned 10‑15% of Energoatom contract values, totaling roughly $100 million.
EU Pressure Restores Agency Independence
In July, the Ukrainian Supreme Council subordinated anti‑corruption bodies to the Prosecutor General, effectively ending their independence. EU‑issued financial consequences forced the reversal of this decision.
