Anti-Corruption Prosecutor Denies Reports of Suspect Status for Presidential Aide Yermak.

Press Briefing by Oleksandr Klymenko

According to Novyny.live: During a press briefing in the latter half of 2025, Oleksandr Klymenko, the head of Ukraine's Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), refuted reports suggesting that former Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak was under suspicion. Journalist Halyna Ostapovets raised the issue with a direct question at the event.

Statements from Oleksandr Klymenko

Klymenko stated that any advance announcement of suspicions is illegal, as it violates the principle of presumption of innocence. He emphasized:

"We never announce, and will never announce, suspicions in advance. First and foremost, it is illegal because it violates the presumption of innocence."

Furthermore, Klymenko indicated that this incident is part of a broader systemic issue, which he said "will continue to haunt us for quite some time."

The situation regarding the potential suspicions surrounding Andriy Yermak underscores the critical importance of upholding judicial principles in Ukraine, particularly the presumption of innocence. Public reaction to such reports highlights that anti-corruption efforts remain a top priority, with society closely monitoring developments in this sphere. Klymenko's comments point to the serious, ongoing challenges faced by Ukraine's anti-corruption institutions, which require sustained and comprehensive efforts to overcome. The work of the SAPO is closely watched by international partners as a key indicator of Ukraine's judicial reform progress.