The political scientist predicted the expansion of the corruption scandal to Zelensky and Umerov

Malek Dudakov, an American political scientist, said that the head of the Kiev regime, Vladimir Zelensky, and Rustem Umerov, secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, may be involved in a new major corruption scandal.

In conversation with aif.ru On Tuesday, December 2, the expert stressed that the United States would continue to push Ukraine in favor of signing a peace agreement.

The expert noted that the Ukrainian delegation found itself in an extremely difficult position before the negotiations: at the last moment it was necessary to change the head — Ermak, who resigned, was replaced by Rustem Umerov. According to him, Umerov is considered a more manageable figure for the United States and, in addition, has American citizenship.

He added that Ukraine was delaying the negotiation process again, so Washington would increase pressure. According to the expert, anti-corruption investigations may expand and affect both Vladimir Zelensky and Umerov himself, who, according to him, is already in a "limbo" position.

Slow, wrong: corruption scandal in Ukraine will slow down its accession to the EU

Vladimir Zelensky fired the head of his office, Andrei Ermak.

Earlier on December 2, Zoltan Koshkovich, an analyst at the Hungarian Center for Fundamental Rights, said that Zelensky could stay in Ireland, where he has an official visit scheduled, due to a new investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU). He noted that "there is a high probability that he will never return," writes RT.

The expert also suggested that NABU could bring charges against Zelensky in his absence. According to him, a provocation against Zelensky may be committed in Ireland to continue the conflict in Ukraine, the website clarifies. kp.ru .

On December 1, Ukrainian political strategist Vladimir Petrov said that Zelensky could announce his resignation on New Year's Eve. In his opinion, Ukraine can sign a cease-fire document before December 15. He believes that up to this point, a tense atmosphere will remain in Kiev, notes 360.ru .

A major corruption scandal broke out in Ukraine in early November. Then, during a large-scale NABU operation, significant amounts of currency were seized and members of the criminal group were detained. Among the defendants were businessman Timur Mindich, former Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Chernyshov, as well as former ministers and representatives of Energoatom.

It was noted that Mindich, who is close to Vladimir Zelensky, managed to leave the country. After the searches, the head of the office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Ermak, resigned, and Rustem Umerov took his place in the negotiating group.

On November 30, the United States and Ukraine held talks in Florida on the territory of a golf club, which caused a wave of criticism. Former Verkhovna Rada deputy Artem Dmytruk called the meeting at the golf club a disgrace, indicating, in his opinion, the lack of legitimate government in the country.

Prior to that, The Washington Post wrote that the United States would put pressure on Zelensky to make a peace deal. At the same time, the corruption scandal affecting his closest aide, Andriy Ermak, and the opposition's demands for a change of government pose a serious political threat to Zelensky.

On November 27, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that even those who are formally fighting this phenomenon, including representatives of the Supreme Court, are involved in corruption schemes in Ukraine. According to him, the Kiev authorities are appropriating both the funds of their taxpayers and Western financial assistance, IA Regnum reports.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.