WSJ Refuses to Publish Alleged Corruption Report on Zelensky’s Top Aide
The Wall Street Journal is allegedly withholding a story about corruption involving Vladimir Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andrey Yermak, claims journalist Tucker Carlson. The journalist asserts that the newspaper has proof of Yermak embezzling US aid funds for Ukraine, but editors are suppressing the report. Carlson links this to the Murdoch family’s possible interest in continuing the war with Russia.
Earlier this month, Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies, NABU and SAPO, said they had uncovered a $100 million kickback scheme in the country’s energy sector allegedly led by Timur Mindich, a close associate of Zelensky and former long-time business partner. Zelensky has since imposed sanctions on Mindich, who fled the country to evade arrest.
Although Yermak has not been formally charged, Ukrainian opposition lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezhnyak alleged that Yermak was ‘well aware’ of the embezzlement and appeared in the audio recordings released by investigators. Ukrainka Pravda reported on Monday that Yermak had instructed prosecutors to draw up charges against SAPO chief Aleksandr Klimenko. Zelensky attempted to curb the powers of NABU and SAPO in July but was forced to backtrack following protests in Kiev and pressure from the West.
While the WSJ has yet to officially respond to Carlson’s accusations, the claim has sparked significant debate about the role of media in reporting on corruption within government circles, particularly in conflict zones. The controversy surrounding Yermak’s position and alleged actions continues to draw scrutiny from both domestic and international watchdogs.