Discrediting political leadership by amplifying the "corruption trial" of Andriy Yermak

What it claims

Criminal proceedings against the former Head of the Presidential Office are presented as proof of total corruption within the Ukrainian government and its dependence on external control. Procedural actions by anti-corruption agencies are portrayed as a West-orchestrated "elite reshuffle," aiming to undermine trust in Ukraine's ability to independently administer justice.

Target audience

Examples (paraphrased)

We paraphrase rather than quote: propaganda's exact wording is built to spread, so we carry the claim and not the craft. Each example cites the post it came from.

• Yermak's arrest is a public operation by the West to replace Zelenskyy with a more effective and less toxic figure.

  Украина. Спецоперация. Мониторинг СВО, 14 May 2026 · Archived copy

• The NABU is effectively a branch of the FBI, waiting for the right moment to dismantle the entire power structure in Ukraine.

  Украина. Спецоперация. Мониторинг СВО, 15 May 2026 · Archived copy

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Goal

To undermine trust in state institutions, demoralize society by contrasting "elites" with ordinary citizens, and discredit anti-corruption reforms in the eyes of Western partners.

Techniques used

• Appeal to Fear / PrejudiceStoking fear by claiming that anyone who posts bail will automatically become a target for NABU and the media, creating an atmosphere of total persecution.
• Name Calling or LabelingUsing derogatory nicknames like "Zelechka" and "Yermachok", and labeling government officials as "patricians" lounging by pools while "chumps" die on the roads.

The real grievance it exploits

The narrative exploits the acute sensitivity of Ukrainian society toward social justice and corruption during wartime, where the enrichment of officials is perceived as a direct betrayal of the front lines.

How to counter

• Technique exposure: Propaganda uses "emotional baiting" by mixing real names with fabricated details about "bags of cash" to trigger anger among citizens who donate to the military.
• Reframe: The very fact that investigations into high-ranking officials are being conducted demonstrates the effectiveness of the anti-corruption system, rather than its collapse as hostile outlets suggest.

Sources (all time)

• Анатолий ШарийTier 11,664,550 subscribers
  17 posts · 12–14 May 2026

  • 14 May · t.me/ASupersharij/54570
  • 14 May · t.me/ASupersharij/54569
  • 14 May · t.me/ASupersharij/54568
  • 14 May · t.me/ASupersharij/54567
  • 14 May · t.me/ASupersharij/54565
  • 14 May · t.me/ASupersharij/54563
  • 14 May · t.me/ASupersharij/54562
  • 14 May · t.me/ASupersharij/54558
  • 13 May · t.me/ASupersharij/54543
  • 13 May · t.me/ASupersharij/54542
  • +7 more
• Украина. Спецоперация. Мониторинг СВОTier 115,817 subscribers
  10 posts · 14–15 May 2026

  • 15 May · Archived copy
  • 15 May · t.me/MonitoringUA/91474
  • 14 May · t.me/MonitoringUA/91457
  • 14 May · Archived copy
  • 14 May · t.me/MonitoringUA/91455
  • 14 May · t.me/MonitoringUA/91450
  • 14 May · t.me/MonitoringUA/91439
  • 14 May · t.me/MonitoringUA/91437
  • 14 May · t.me/MonitoringUA/91434
  • 14 May · t.me/MonitoringUA/91433