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Ukraine's Anti-Corruption Court on Thursday ordered the arrest of Andriy Yermak, a close ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky and former head of his administration, on money laundering charges.
The court also set a bail of 140 million hryvnia, which would allow Yermaku, who has denied the charges against him, to be released pending a final decision in his case.
"I don't have that kind of money and my lawyer will now work with friends and acquaintances to raise the money for bail," Yermak told reporters after the court's decision.
"My legal team will file a complaint. We will use every legal avenue to seek justice and the truth," he added.
Ukrainian authorities on Monday named Yermaku as a suspect in a corruption investigation. His arrest was the closest anti-corruption officials have come to the president's inner circle.
In a statement, Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies said Yermak is suspected of participating in a criminal group that laundered about $10.5 million through an elite housing complex outside the capital Kiev.
Yermak was widely seen as Ukraine's second most powerful person after Zelenskiy, exerting great influence over much of Ukrainian politics despite holding an unelected position.
His resignation last year came amid a broader government reshuffle aimed at restoring confidence in the president's office, which has been overshadowed by accusations of centralized power.
Some analysts say the allegations against Yermak are unlikely to pose an immediate threat to Zelenskiy, but could lead to long-term reputational damage if he runs for re-election after the war.
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