Anti-graft officers search Zelensky's chief of staff's home • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Maida Skate: A large-scale anti-corruption investigation in Ukraine.
• National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor (SAPO): The Ukrainian agencies conducting the "Maida Skate" investigation.
• Andriy Yermak: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Chief of Staff.
• Energam: The state energy company from which kickbacks were allegedly stolen.
• Kickback Scheme: A corrupt practice involving illicit payments.
• "Alibaba": A codename used in recordings related to the corruption scandal, suspected to refer to Andriy Yermak.
• Hobbling Anti-Corruption Agencies: Efforts to undermine the independence and effectiveness of anti-corruption bodies.
• Parliamentary Law (July): A law passed hastily in July, seen as an attempt to weaken anti-corruption agencies.

Maida Skate Investigation and Allegations

The "Maida Skate" investigation, spearheaded by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor (SAPO), is a significant anti-corruption probe that has been dominating Ukrainian news for the past two weeks. This investigation has continued even amidst ongoing negotiations for a "peace plan."

Key Points:

• Scope: The investigation involves a huge anti-corruption effort.
• Implicated Individuals: Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Chief of Staff, confirmed investigators visited his apartment, though he has not been served with a notice of suspicion. Several other individuals close to Zelenskyy, including former business partners and two former ministers, have also been implicated.
• Evidence: Partially published recordings by anti-corruption investigators feature individuals using codenames instead of their real names. One such codename is "Alibaba," which is widely believed to refer to Andriy Yermak.
• Financial Allegations: The kickback scheme is alleged to have resulted in at least $100 million being stolen from Energam, the state energy company. This money could have been used for protecting Ukraine's energy grid from Russian strikes.
• Yermak's Involvement: While the published information does not directly implicate Yermak in profiting from the kickback scheme, he is clearly involved in efforts to "hobble" the anti-corruption agencies.

Efforts to Undermine Anti-Corruption Agencies

A significant aspect of the "Maida Skate" investigation involves alleged attempts to obstruct the work of anti-corruption bodies.

Key Points:

• Parliamentary Law: In July, the Ukrainian parliament hastily passed a law that is widely viewed as an attempt to destroy the independence of anti-corruption agencies.
• Suspected Motivation: It is suspected that Andriy Yermak was instrumental in pushing for this law to prevent the current investigation from proceeding and to stop the scandal from breaking.
• Yermak's Response: Yermak has stated on Telegram that he is fully cooperating with investigators.

Andriy Yermak's Influence and Power

Andriy Yermak's significant influence and the concentration of power in his hands have been a subject of concern and criticism.

Key Points:

• Oversized Role: Yermak holds a vastly disproportionate level of influence compared to his official title as Chief of Staff. He frequently travels with the President, sometimes leads Ukrainian delegations abroad, and has been involved in high-level negotiations, such as those in Geneva with American and European powers.
• Perceived Strategy: Some observers suggest that Zelenskyy might have placed Yermak at the center of the "peace plan" discussions as a tactic to divert attention from the accusations against him. However, this strategy does not appear to have been successful.
• Criticism: Yermak has been criticized for amassing power by appointing close associates to key positions and by overriding the cabinet of ministers and parliament.
• Calls for Dismissal: Many politicians and commentators have called for President Zelenskyy to dismiss Yermak.
• President's Stance: At present, President Zelenskyy appears determined not to dismiss Yermak.

Conclusion

The "Maida Skate" investigation is a major anti-corruption probe in Ukraine that has brought to light allegations of significant financial impropriety involving at least $100 million stolen from the state energy company, Energam. A key figure implicated, though not directly for financial gain from the kickbacks, is Andriy Yermak, President Zelenskyy's Chief of Staff. Yermak is suspected of orchestrating efforts to undermine the independence of anti-corruption agencies through a hastily passed parliamentary law. Despite widespread criticism and calls for his dismissal due to his outsized influence and power, President Zelenskyy has so far maintained his support for Yermak. The investigation highlights ongoing tensions between anti-corruption efforts and political power structures in Ukraine.