Former Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak spoke with representatives of the Ukrainian media after the court retired to the deliberation room. However, he avoided answering many uncomfortable questions, UNN reports.
The politician confirmed that the postponement of the announcement regarding his preventive measure from Wednesday to Thursday, May 14, came as a surprise even to him.
When asked what the court's ruling would be—in his favor or not—Yermak said he did not know the answer.
What Andriy Yermak said about Lidiya Izovitova and what role the woman plays in his case
The former head of the Presidential Office was also asked about his relationship with Lidiya Izovitova, the official who heads the National Bar Association of Ukraine and the Bar Council of Ukraine. In the political and media space, her name is associated with the odious Viktor Medvedchuk, and recently—with Yermak himself, whom she appointed in March 2026 to head a committee under the National Bar Association of Ukraine. There, he was supposed to handle issues of protecting victims of armed aggression and legal support for European integration.
"Professional, normal. We respect each other. She facilitates the committee's activities, and I am very grateful to her for that," Andriy Yermak replied.
Why Yermak returned to legal practice but did not undergo professional development training
After media representatives turned their attention to the topic of Yermak's return to legal practice, the politician was asked whether he had taken professional development courses in this regard.
"No, I didn't. But if you look, I have been a lawyer since 1995. Therefore, I think that, frankly speaking, it (professional development – ed.) was not important for me. Moreover, during my work in the office (Presidential Office – ed.), I encountered legal issues many times, and this certainly helped me," the politician said.
What the former head of the Presidential Office consulted with an astrologer about and how he commented on it
Journalists were also interested in Veronika Anikievych—an astrology consultant with whom Andriy Yermak consulted regarding personnel appointments. At least, this follows from the correspondence between them, which was released by representatives of the SAPO (Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office).
At this point, the former head of the Presidential Office became visibly nervous, remarked to journalists that this was an unserious question, and said that if he were to talk to them about every person mentioned during today's court session, neither he nor the media representatives would have enough time for it. When Yermak was reminded of specific names from the correspondence with Anikievych, he replied as follows:
"How can one consult with someone about the appointment of the Prosecutor General, who is elected by the Verkhovna Rada?"
After this, Andriy Yermak stated that he does not even remember which specific woman he was corresponding with, as he has several acquaintances named "Veronika." But none of them are in any way connected to his state activities as the head of the Presidential Office. The politician also emphasized that he has never contacted any seers or astrologers.
"Many names that I heard today, I don't know these people at all. Am I supposed to comment on everyone who once talked to someone about something? My defense attorney (Ihor Fomin – ed.) said very clearly today that there are facts. That is when some conversations or actions are recorded today. And, you know, even during my work in the office (Presidential Office – ed.), many people would come up and say: 'We are from Yermak.' But I always told everyone: I never had a crown on my head. And if I ever called someone and said something, I always addressed them directly," Yermak summarized.
He also emphasized that almost all of his communication with various people took place in the interests of the state, and he never sought consultations on personal matters.
Who wanted to take Yermak on bail
Journalists also asked Andriy Yermak about the identity of the person who wanted to take him on bail (personal recognizance).
"I don't know who that is," Yermak replied.
At that moment, his lawyer intervened in the conversation with the media representatives.
"He is in the hospital, he is a lawyer. I was sent a photo today where he is in such a state..." said Ihor Fomin.
What you need to know about the "Yermak case"
On the evening of May 11, NABU detectives and SAPO prosecutors notified the former head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, of suspicion in a case concerning the construction of residential residences in Kozyn near Kyiv.
According to the investigation, the housing cooperative where Yermak's house is located was built by companies associated with former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov. Law enforcement officers believe that the construction used funds allegedly laundered by an organized group led by businessman Timur Mindich. The investigation also alleges Yermak's involvement in this scheme.
The day before, the High Anti-Corruption Court was supposed to determine a preventive measure for Yermak. The prosecution asked to either take him into custody or set bail in the amount of 180 million hryvnias. The lawyers asked to postpone the hearing to have time to familiarize themselves with 16 volumes of case materials.
Neither former colleagues nor former employees of Yermak attended the court session. At the same time, Colonel Roman Chervinsky, who is associated with the appearance of the so-called "Yermak tapes," was present in court.
At the hearing, the court heard from Andriy Yermak himself and his lawyer Ihor Fomin. In addition to the release of new materials in this case by SAPO representatives, the issue of bail in the amount of 180 million hryvnias was discussed. The former head of the Presidential Office himself has already stated that the amount is too large for him. The defense attorney added that the bail amount should be commensurate with his client's income.
Ultimately, the court retired to the deliberation room. The announcement of the decision on the preventive measure for the main figure in the case was postponed until the morning of May 14.