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"Ukraine's High Anti-Corruption Court on Thursday ordered the two-month detention of former presidential office chief Andrii Yermak in a money-laundering investigation linked to the construction of luxury housing near Kiev. Yermak also suggested the case was politically and publicly motivated. "Once again, I believe that everything that happened during this process was under pressure that had been ongoing for several months. Absolutely. Yesterday you heard... the position of the lawyer, who laid out everything that is currently being alleged. The case is absolutely empty," The court reportedly ruled that Yermak could be released pending trial if he posts bail of 140 million hryvnias (about $3.2 million), after prosecutors initially requested bail be set at 180 million hryvnias. Yermak acknowledged he did not personally have the reported 140 million hryvnia bail amount, but said friends and acquaintances might help if necessary. "I don't have that kind of money. We'll discuss it […] There are enough acquaintances and friends. I hope they will be able to help if necessary," he said. Yermak said he would continue fighting the case, remain in Ukraine, and insisted he had 'nothing to hide.' "As a person who remained in Kiev on February 24, 2022, in the Office of the President, when many were saying Kiev would fall within a few hours, then within three days, then within a week. I am a strong enough person," he stressed. "We will use every legal means to achieve justice and truth, regardless of anything. [...] The case is absolutely empty," he stressed The High Anti-Corruption Court began hearings on May 12 to determine a pre-trial measure for Yermak. The case centres on allegations that 460 million hryvnias ($10.5 million USD) were laundered through an elite residential development project outside the Ukrainian capital. Yermak has repeatedly denied wrongdoing. It is the latest corruption case to engulf Zelensky's inner circle. Another corruption case linked to the energy sector brought down key ministers and close allies, although the president himself denies wrongdoing."
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