Ukraine officials name Zelenskyy’s ex-chief of staff as a suspect in money-laundering probe

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s former chief of staff has been named as an official suspect in a major corruption investigation by two national anti-corruption agencies.

Andriy Yermak is suspected of being involved in a 460-million-hryvnia ($10.5 million) money-laundering scheme, as announced by the agencies late Monday.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy’s meeting with the CEO of Palantir Technologies signals Ukraine’s growing cooperation with the U.S. defense sector, following a three-day U.S.-brokered ceasefire that reduced but did not eliminate the fighting in Ukraine.

Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, now in its fifth year, shows no signs of a peace settlement on the horizon.

The investigation into Yermak is still ongoing, with no formal charges filed yet. Yermak, who resigned in November, served as the lead negotiator with the U.S. and left during a scandal that posed a significant threat to Zelenskyy’s government.

The corruption scandal surrounding Yermak is a setback for Ukraine’s efforts to join the European Union, a process hindered by widespread corruption within the country.

Yermak, a close ally of Zelenskyy, denies any involvement in the money-laundering scheme and considers the suspicion notice to be unfounded.

The meeting between Zelenskyy and Palantir Technologies CEO Alex Karp underscores Ukraine’s technological advancements in collaboration with the U.S. defense sector.

Ukraine’s use of cutting-edge drone technology has improved its battlefield capabilities against Russia, with recent developments enhancing reconnaissance and strategic planning.

The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, with Ukraine urging Moscow to end the war and seeking to strengthen its defensive position.

For more updates on the war in Ukraine, visit AP’s coverage of Russia-Ukraine conflict.