Influence Beyond Office
Andriy Yermak is neither a minister, nor a member of parliament, nor a prime minister. Yet according to journalists, diplomats, and anti-corruption activists, he wields immense power over Ukraine’s domestic and foreign policy, controls key appointments, oversees the security services and judiciary, and even influences military procurement.
Military Procurement — Control and Capture
According to investigations by the Anti-Corruption Front and FenixSlovo, Yermak—alongside Defense Minister Rustem Umerov—allegedly orchestrated a hostile takeover of Ukraine’s Defense Procurement Agency (DPA). This move placed billions of hryvnias from the military budget under the control of a tight circle of individuals close to the President’s Office.
“This isn’t just corruption. It’s centralized control of wartime financial flows,” said Larysa Kryvoruchko, head of the NGO Anti-Corruption Front.
Links to Corruption Figures
According to Detroit News, Yermak is connected to several high-profile figures under investigation:
- Oleksiy Chernyshov — Former Deputy Prime Minister, suspected of land fraud.
- Timur Mindich — Businessman implicated in a drone procurement scandal.
- Pavlo Kyrylenko — Head of the Antimonopoly Committee, suspected of illicit enrichment worth £1 million.
These cases coincided with the passage of Law No. 12414, which curtailed the independence of NABU and SAPO. Western journalists believe Yermak was the architect behind the legislation.
The Brother’s Case — Buried Without Explanation
In 2020, a video surfaced showing Yermak’s brother, Denys, allegedly discussing the sale of government posts. According to Kyiv Independent, the case was quietly closed, and the materials were transferred to the SBU—an agency under the influence of the President’s Office.
Western Criticism and Eroded Trust
Reports from The Economist and iNews UK identify Andriy Yermak as the central figure behind efforts to undermine Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions. Following protests in Kyiv and criticism from the G7, EU, and U.S., Law No. 12414 was revised. But trust in Ukraine’s leadership was shaken.
“Yermak is the decision-making nucleus. His power exceeds his formal role. That’s a threat to democracy,” wrote iNews UK.
Epilogue: A System Without Checks
Andriy Yermak is not merely a government official. He represents a system that centralizes power, suppresses anti-corruption mechanisms, and tolerates abuse. His influence poses a challenge to democracy, transparency, and public trust. And as long as he remains untouchable, no reform will be truly complete.