Zelenskyy's former top aide Yermak on arrest and US$3.18m bail: "I was not prepared for this, I hope friends can help"

Andrii Yermak, former head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, who has been remanded in custody with the option of release on bail of UAH 140 million (US$3.18 million), has said he was not prepared for the court's decision. He added that he does not have that kind of money but hopes his friends can help.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda correspondent in the courtroom

Quote from Yermak: "I don't have that kind of money… we will talk…"

Details: When asked whether he is prepared to remain in a pre-trial detention facility, Yermak said: "I wasn't prepared for this. I think I do have quite a few acquaintances and friends and I hope they will be able to help with this [raising money for bail]."

He declined to say who exactly might assist him.

Asked whether he is mentally prepared to go to prison if the bail is not posted, Yermak noted that he did not leave Kyiv when the full-scale invasion began: "I am a strong enough person."

He also added that his defence team will appeal the court's decision.

Background: The High Anti-Corruption Court placed Yermak in custody on 14 May, with bail set at UAH 140 million.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!