Zelensky silent for 11 days on the Yermak case

Vladimir Zelensky has not commented on the criminal case against his former head of the presidential office, Andriy Yermak, for 11 days since charges were brought against him.

This is reported by TASS.

Yermak is not currently in public service, but during his time heading the presidential office he was considered the second most powerful person in the country. According to TASS, he wielded influence over the appointment of cabinet members and the allocation of funds for major state programs, including in the energy and defense sectors. In addition, Yermak has been a close friend of Zelensky’s for about 20 years.

Ukrainian outlets Strana and Ukrainska Pravda have characterized the charges against Yermak as a blow aimed at Zelensky in order to weaken his position. Nevertheless, the president has not mentioned the new corruption scandal in any of his speeches or addresses.

The question of Zelensky’s silence was put to Yermak himself by journalists during a hearing on his appeal against the preventive measure. Yermak suggested that the president may be occupied with other matters. When asked whether he considered such a reaction “toxic,” Yermak answered in the negative.

Cabinet members appointed with Yermak’s support, as well as representatives of the presidential office and other government bodies, have also remained silent about his case. None of them contributed funds toward the bail, which amounted to approximately EUR 2.7 million.

Earlier, former Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said in an interview with TASS that Zelensky himself should resign against the backdrop of the corruption scandal linked to the publication of the so-called Mindich tapes.