During a break in the session of the High Anti-Corruption Court, which took place on May 12, a heated verbal exchange erupted between former intelligence officer Roman Chervinsky and former head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak. The session was dedicated to choosing a preventive measure for Yermak.
This is reported by Finway
“And then Dmytro Shtanko, who recorded your brother, who collected 10 thousand dollars for each meeting with you, ended up on the front line and died because of you. That’s why I am here today. I hope this will not pass easily for you, and for those who have betrayed the country from the very beginning,” Chervinsky said.
Details of Chervinsky’s statements and Yermak’s position
During the hearing, Andriy Yermak noted that he last saw Chervinsky back in 2019, when his brother Denys introduced Chervinsky as a “brother” and a “hawk.” In response, Chervinsky claimed that after that meeting, he was allegedly asked for money to arrange a meeting with Yermak. Specifically, according to Chervinsky, he was forced to pay 10 thousand dollars for the opportunity to talk to Yermak. To such claims, Yermak responded that they “do not correspond to reality.”
After the session, Chervinsky told reporters that he believes Yermak is involved in two criminal proceedings being investigated against him. He suggested that Yermak had influence over law enforcement and could have initiated these cases. Additionally, Chervinsky mentioned the so-called “Wagner case,” asserting that in 2020, while serving in the Main Intelligence Directorate, Yermak allegedly sabotaged an operation to detain mercenaries and acted in the interests of Russia. Chervinsky emphasized that he seeks for all these cases to be brought to a logical conclusion.
Suspicion and subsequent events surrounding Yermak
On May 11, it became known that the National Anti-Corruption Bureau handed a notice of suspicion to Andriy Yermak. The agency released a corresponding video detailing the investigation into the construction of cottages in the “Dynasty” cooperative near Kyiv. Yermak, commenting on the situation, emphasized that he would provide a detailed explanation after the investigative actions are completed and denied any involvement in the real estate in “Dynasty,” stating that he owns only one apartment and a car.
Back in February, journalist Mykhailo Tkach reported a high likelihood of Yermak being charged if the investigation gathered enough evidence. On November 28, Andriy Yermak submitted his resignation as head of the President’s Office, and Volodymyr Zelensky signed the corresponding decree on the same day. Prior to this, searches were conducted at his residence by NABU.
After his dismissal, Yermak stated in a comment to foreign press about his intention to go to the front after “the humiliation of his dignity.” Military serviceman Tetiana Chornovol reported that she was ready to take Yermak into her unit, but did not receive a response from him. In January, it became known that Yermak had not started military service despite previous statements. He also noted that he holds no grudge against Zelensky, calling the president his friend.
In February, journalists reported on a meeting between Yermak and presidential advisor Oleksandr Kamyshin, as well as a possible informal meeting with Zelensky, which was pointed out by MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak.