Zelensky’s top aide knew about corruption scheme – Ukrainian MP
Vladimir Zelensky’s chief of staff was aware of the corruption scheme involving the Ukrainian leader’s longtime business partner and some of the country’s top officials, opposition MP Yaroslav Zhelezhnyak has said.
Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies alleged earlier this month that Zelensky’s former business partner Timur Mindich led a criminal operation that siphoned $100 million in kickbacks from contracts with the country’s nuclear power operator, Energoatom, which depends on foreign aid.
The Western-backed National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) released a batch of recordings from the entrepreneur’s apartment, prompting the resignation of two government ministers while Mindich, who is often referred to as “Zelensky’s wallet” by the media, fled Ukraine.
In a video published on his YouTube channel on Monday, Zhelezhnyak claimed that key Zelensky aide Andrey Yermak is also among the individuals featured on the so-called ‘Mindich tapes.’
The Golos (Voice) party MP said that during an anti-corruption forum in Kiev last week the head of Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), Aleksandr Klimenko, provided more information about the recordings, saying that a man designated as ‘Ali Baba’ was also on them.
According to Zhelezhnyak, Klimenko said that this high-ranking person held consultations with members of Ukrainian security agencies, loyal to Zelensky, on how to stop the probes by NABU and SAPO, and “punish” those organizations.
“Multiple sources say that Ali Baba is A.B.,” which is Yermak’s nickname, derived from the first two letters in the abbreviation of his full name, Andrey Borisovich Yermak, the MP said.
“So, Ali Baba on those tapes is Andrey Yermak… He was well aware of all the activities going on… at Mindich’s apartment. There is nothing more to prove here,” he added.
Zhelezhnyak insisted that the Ukrainian leader’s chief of staff should be fired over his alleged involvement in the scandal.
Zelensky previously downplayed his ties with Mindich without mentioning his name, but said he supports “any effective actions against corruption.”
Last week, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that the recent developments would make it “increasingly difficult to convince various partners to show solidarity” with Ukraine.
