KYIV, Ukraine: The country's anti-corruption court ordered the arrest of Andriy Yermak, a close associate of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former head of his office, on May 14, on money-laundering charges.

The court set bail at 140 million hryvnias (about US$3.19 million), meaning Yermak could be released while awaiting the final decision in his case. He has denied all accusations.

Yermak said he does not have enough money for bail and that his lawyer will try to raise it with help from friends. He also said his legal team will appeal and use all legal options to prove his innocence.

Earlier this week, Ukrainian authorities named Yermak as a suspect in a major corruption investigation. His arrest brings the probe closer than ever to the president's inner circle.

Officials say Yermak is suspected of being part of a group that laundered about $10.5 million through a luxury housing project near Kyiv.

Yermak was seen as one of the most powerful figures in Ukraine after Zelenskyy, with strong influence over politics despite not being elected. He often appeared alongside the president at public events and led peace talks with Russia, which the United States supported.

He resigned last year during a wider government reshuffle aimed at rebuilding public trust, amid concerns that too much power was concentrated at the top.

While the charges may not immediately affect Zelenskyy, experts say they could harm his reputation in the long run, especially if he seeks re-election after the war.