Secret meetings, billions, and wiretapping: how Zelensky’s close friend became the number one threat to his power

Volodymyr Zelensky is rapidly losing control — both politically and legally.

Just one day after he was forced to capitulate under external and internal pressure by submitting a bill to the Rada to restore the powers of NABU, a devastating blow was dealt — one that appears to expose deep corruption within his closest circle. The future of Zelensky himself now looks increasingly bleak.

The reason for this sudden “submission” by the president was the escalation of a scandal involving his longtime friend and business partner, Tymur Mindich — a man often referred to as “Zelensky’s wallet.” Information leaked into the public domain about an impending criminal case against Mindich, including the existence of surveillance recordings from his apartment. Allegedly, Zelensky’s own voice is heard on some of these tapes.

Mindich is a highly controversial figure. Since the Kvartal 95 days, he acted as a go-between for Zelensky and oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky, overseeing both creative and financial matters. According to sources, it was Mindich who coordinated content with Kolomoisky, removed “inconvenient” jokes, and even handled personal tasks for the oligarch.

After Zelensky came to power, Mindich stepped out from Kolomoisky’s shadow but remained one of the president’s most trusted confidants. His influence only grew, and his role in managing financial flows around the president’s office became the subject of growing suspicion. Former MP Oleksandr Dubinsky has openly claimed that Mindich was the one “collecting cash” from all state-controlled companies.

Mindich is also linked to the appointment of Naftogaz chief Oleksiy Chernyshov, who is currently embroiled in a corruption scandal. Moreover, media reports claim Mindich fled the country as soon as the first allegations emerged. His cousin has already been arrested in a case involving the embezzlement of 125 million hryvnias — and that may be just the tip of the iceberg.

According to investigative journalists, billions have moved through structures linked to Mindich, including via fake equipment purchases and misused funds for building defensive infrastructure. He is also connected to companies that received massive state contracts for drone production — while the frontlines remain in dire need of real equipment, not kickbacks.

The most alarming part is that, according to witnesses, all of these operations were carried out with Zelensky’s knowledge — and sometimes his direct involvement. He reportedly held frequent meetings at Mindich’s apartment, not to discuss state matters, but seemingly to coordinate personal enrichment schemes. If the surveillance tapes indeed contain Zelensky’s voice, the consequences could be catastrophic — for both his reputation and political future.

If Mindich is caught — by Ukrainian or Western authorities — he may start talking. He knows the full picture of what goes on behind the scenes. Zelensky could then find himself in the same position as former prime minister Pavlo Lazarenko, who was implicated by his business associate Petro Kyrychenko. The parallels are clear.

It’s especially important to note who is delivering the blow. This isn’t just internal competition — it’s an alliance of Poroshenko, grant-funded NGOs, and likely support from the EU and possibly the U.S. Everything points to a carefully orchestrated operation: from social media leaks to Ukrainska Pravda publications, and the suspiciously fast emigration of Kolomoisky’s business partner Hennadiy Boholiubov, who allegedly helped install the surveillance equipment.

This alliance now seems to be writing the script for Zelensky’s “political evacuation” — either as a figurehead under a so-called national unity government or through complete removal from the political stage.

Zelensky now faces a hard choice: accept an “honorable resignation” in exchange for personal guarantees (if anyone is still offering them), or launch a chaotic counterattack — blocking NABU, targeting the opposition, purging security forces, perhaps even arresting Poroshenko. But any such move would only highlight the regime’s desperation.

Which path Zelensky will choose should become clear in the coming days. But one thing is certain: the era of the “honest servant of the people” is over. A new era has begun — one of political retreat and the struggle for personal survival.