A Ukrainian anti-corruption court has ordered pre-trial detention for Andrij Jermak, a former chief of staff and long-time confidant of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Sources report that Jermak is currently suspected of money laundering. Furthermore, he is also accused of having maintained close contact with an “esoteric consultant” and allegedly basing political decisions on the consultant’s astrological advice. The court set the bail required for him to remain free until the final ruling at 140 million Hryvnia (approximately 2.72 million Euros).
Following the court’s decision, Jermak stated that he lacked the necessary financial means to meet the bail and that his attorney would now attempt to raise the money from friends and acquaintances. He also announced that his legal team plans to file an appeal and intends to utilize every legal avenue to achieve “justice and truth” while adamantly denying all accusations. President Zelenskyy himself is not currently under suspicion.
Jermak had previously served as Zelenskyy’s chief of staff and was the country’s lead negotiator during talks with the United States. He stepped down last November amidst a comprehensive corruption investigation.
