Court relaxes restrictions on Zelensky's ex-chief of staff amid reports on his continued influence

A Ukrainian court ruled on September 15 that Andriy Yermak, the former head of the President’s Office, does not need to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet. This decision follows reports that Yermak maintained his political influence over President Volodymyr Zelensky after resigning in November due to a corruption investigation.

The court's earlier rulings had already eased some of the restrictions on Yermak, who was initially limited to traveling within Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast with investigators' approval. In August, the court further relaxed these travel limits, permitting Yermak to visit multiple regions. The court's recent decision to waive the electronic bracelet requirement was made on "medical grounds," though the specific conditions were not specified.

Experts note that while a bracelet-free status might seem trivial, it can complicate law enforcement surveillance, especially when suspects rely on private security or state protection. Yermak's former office was raided in November amidst a $100 million corruption probe involving the state nuclear company Energoatom, leading to his resignation.

He later faced charges of money laundering related to a luxury housing project near Kyiv. Despite these legal troubles, Yermak is said to still hold sway in political circles, with reports suggesting ongoing communication with Zelensky and meetings with high-ranking officials. Yermak has since returned to legal practice and served as the head of a National Association of Lawyers committee.

His lawyer, Ihor Fomin, traveled to Israel in January to meet with a lawyer reportedly representing Timur Mindich, a key figure in the Energoatom scandal.