PDB Afternoon Bulletin | May 14th, 2026: Saudi Arabia SECRETLY Struck Iran During The War & Zelensky’s Corruption Crisis

Summary

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The President's Daily Brief – Afternoon Bulletin | May 14, 2026

Host: Mike Baker
Episode Theme:
Deep-dive into covert Saudi strikes on Iran during the recent regional war and the escalating corruption crisis in President Zelensky’s inner circle.

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Episode Overview

In this bulletin, Mike Baker breaks down explosive new revelations about Saudi Arabia’s secret military actions against Iran, suggesting a much larger and more complex Middle East war than previously understood. The episode then shifts to Ukraine, where a sweeping anti-corruption probe has just reached the highest levels of President Zelensky's administration with the arrest of his former chief of staff. Baker analyzes what these developments mean regionally and globally, and why listeners should care.

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Segment 1: Saudi Arabia’s Secret Strikes on Iran

[00:30–06:24]

Key Points

• New Reports of Saudi Strikes: Saudi Arabia covertly launched retaliatory airstrikes inside Iran in late March after Tehran attacked the kingdom with missile and drone barrages.
  • “According to new reporting from Reuters, Saudi Arabia carried out covert retaliatory strikes on Iran, Iranian territory back in late March after Tehran launched waves of missiles and drones at the kingdom during the conflict.” — Mike Baker [01:24]
• Significance & Escalation:
  • This marks the first known direct Saudi attack on Iranian soil, shifting the perception of Gulf states from cautious bystanders to active military players.
  • “It suggests that the true scope of this war has been far larger than publicly understood...” — Mike Baker [02:13]
• Strategic Messaging:
  • The strikes were intended to signal to Tehran that attacks on Saudi Arabia would “no longer go unanswered.” However, the Saudis carefully balanced retaliation with overtures for de-escalation.
  • “Riyadh simultaneously communicated to Tehran that it was not entering the wider war and did not want uncontrolled escalation. That balancing act is critical...” — Mike Baker [02:50]
• Historical Background & the China-Brokered Detente:
  • After years of hostility, Saudi-Iranian ties were tentatively restored in 2023 through a Chinese-brokered agreement, but recent conflict upended this fragile state.
• Impact on Oil and Economy:
  • Iranian attacks disrupted hundreds of thousands of barrels per day in Saudi oil production, threatening economic stability.
  • “Tehran wasn’t just firing missiles at Saudi Arabia, it was threatening the foundation of the Saudi economy.” — Mike Baker [04:34]
• Gulf States’ Security Doctrine Shift:
  • The reliance on the US security umbrella was tested; Gulf states are now taking more assertive, independent military action in response to Iranian aggression.
  • Qatar also considered, but ultimately refrained from, its own retaliation after Iranian attacks on key energy infrastructure.
  • “The Gulf states are no longer simply nervous bystanders hoping that Washington handles Iran for them.” — Mike Baker [05:48]

Notable Quotes

• “[This] would mark the first known incident where Saudi Arabia has directly attacked targets on Iranian soil and a major escalation between the Middle East’s two most powerful regional rivals.” — Mike Baker [01:47]
• “According to the Financial Times, Qatar even debated retaliatory attacks of its own…though Doha ultimately chose de-escalation instead.” — Mike Baker [04:54]
• “What’s emerging is a picture of a hidden regional war unfolding behind the public one.” — Mike Baker [05:16]

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Segment 2: Sweeping Corruption Probe in Ukraine

[10:34–15:30]

Key Points

• Arrest of Zelensky’s Chief of Staff:
  • Ukrainian authorities have arrested Andriy Yermak, former chief of staff and arguably the second most powerful figure in Ukraine, on money laundering and graft charges.
  • “Ukrainian investigators arrested Andriy Yermak, the man who for years operated as arguably the second most powerful figure in the country behind Zelensky.” — Mike Baker [10:53]
• Details of Allegations:
  • Yermak is accused of helping launder approximately $10 million through an elite housing development outside Kiev.
  • The probe also implicates Timur Mindich, ex-deputy PM and past Zelensky business partner, alleged to have orchestrated $100 million in kickbacks tied to Ukraine’s energy industry.
• Scale and Significance:
  • The investigation pushes deeper into Zelensky’s circle than any prior probe since the Russian invasion.
  • Both men deny wrongdoing, and there is no public evidence directly implicating President Zelensky.
  • “Now one obvious question hanging over this latest arrest is how far does this corruption probe actually go?” — Mike Baker [10:58]
• Political Optics & Impact:
  • Worries about consolidated power around Zelensky have echoed for years—criticism that intensified after Moscow’s full-scale invasion granted his administration sweeping emergency powers.
  • Yermak previously resigned as part of a government shakeup seeking to restore public trust amid mounting scandal.
  • Leaked, unverifiable wiretap transcripts referred cryptically to “Andre” and “Vova” (a nickname for Volodymyr), further fueling speculation about proximity to Zelensky.
  • “Almost immediately that fueled new speculation inside Ukraine over just how close this alleged corruption network may have operated to Zelensky.” — Mike Baker [13:12]
• Broader Implications:
  • Ukraine’s wartime credibility with Western backers is at stake; cases like this are potential reputational risks for post-war elections.
  • “Ukraine is simultaneously fighting a grinding war against Russia while also trying to convince Western governments that the country is serious about dismantling the corruption culture that plagued Ukraine long before the invasion began.” — Mike Baker [13:34]

Notable Quotes

• “While the optics politically aren’t good for Zelensky, there is currently no public evidence directly implicating the Ukrainian president in the alleged laundering operation.” — Mike Baker [12:27]
• “Cases like this could become a serious reputational vulnerability when Ukraine eventually holds another presidential election after the war.” — Mike Baker [14:00]

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Memorable/Major Moments & Timestamps

• Saudi Strikes on Iran Uncovered: Unprecedented Saudi military action revealed (01:24–02:50)
• Economic Stakes for Saudis: Iranian missile impacts on oil sector (04:34)
• Qatar’s Near-Strike: “Qatar even debated retaliatory attacks of its own…” (04:54)
• Regional War Unmasked: Hidden conflict across Gulf states described (05:16)
• Ukraine Corruption Expands: Ex-chief of staff arrested, Western support at risk (10:53–13:34)
• Wiretap Leak Fallout: “Almost immediately that fueled new speculation…” (13:12)
• Why it Matters for the West: “Serious reputational vulnerability…” (14:00)

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Tone & Analysis

Throughout, Mike Baker brings a measured, analytical tone, connecting breaking news to longer trends in regional power dynamics. He highlights the concealed intensity of recent Middle East warfare and ties Ukraine’s deepening anti-corruption crisis directly to issues of wartime legitimacy and Western support.

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Final Thoughts

This episode of the PDB Afternoon Bulletin offers an unvarnished look at two major crises—one military, one political—reshaping the strategic calculus in both the Middle East and Eastern Europe. With detailed reporting, context, and analysis, it’s an essential listen for anyone seeking to understand global power shifts in 2026.

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Transcript

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It's Thursday, the 14 of May. Welcome to the PDB Afternoon Bulletin. I'm Mike Baker, your eyes and ears on the world stage. All right, let's get briefed. First up, just days after reports revealed that the United Arab Emirates, the uae, secretly struck Iran during the war, new reporting now claims that Saudi Arabia quietly launched retaliatory attacks of its own inside Iranian territory. Later in the show, a massive corruption investigation inside Ukraine's leadership continues as President Zelensky's former chief of staff is arrested for alleged graft. But first, today's afternoon spotlight. Just two days ago, new reporting revealed that the United Arab Emirates had secretly launched military strikes inside Iran during the regional war. Now it appears the Saudis did the same. According to new reporting from Reuters, Saudi Arabia carried out covert retaliatory strikes on Iran, Iranian territory back in late March after Tehran launched waves of missiles and drones at the kingdom during the conflict. If true, it would mark the first known incident where Saudi Arabia has directly attacked targets on Iranian soil and a major escalation between the Middle East's two most powerful regional rivals. And perhaps even more importantly, it suggests that the true scope of this war has been far larger than publicly understood because publicly, Gulf Arab states spent months presenting themselves as cautious actors desperately trying to avoid being dragged into a direct war with Tehran. Privately, it now appears at least two Gulf monarchies were quietly firing back. According to Reuters, the Saudi strikes were carried out by the Royal Saudi Air Force in late March as part of what Western officials described as, quote, tit for tat retaliation after Iran struck Saudi infrastructure and civilian targets. The exact targets inside Iran remain unclear, but the broader message appears unmistakable. Saudi Arabia wanted Tehran to understand that attacks on the kingdom would no longer go unanswered. But unlike the more aggressive posture reportedly adopted by the uae, the Saudis appear to have approached this very differently. This wasn't about joining a broader American or Israeli war effort. In fact, Riyadh spoke simultaneously communicated to Tehran that it was not entering the wider war and did not want uncontrolled escalation. That balancing act is critical to understanding what's happening here. For years, Saudi Arabia has tried to reduce tensions with Iran after decades of proxy conflict across the region. A China brokered detente back in 2023 helped restore diplomatic ties between the two powers after years of hostility. But the war changed that equation. When the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran back on February 28, Gulf states immediately feared they would become targets. And they were right. Iran responded by launching missiles and drones not just at American bases, but at Gulf airports, energy infrastructure, shipping networks and civilian sites. According to Reuters, Iran struck all six Gulf Cooperation Council states during the conflict. And while the UAE reportedly absorbed the heaviest barrages, Saudi Arabia was hit repeatedly as well, including attacks targeting oil infrastructure and key economic assets. Now Saudi Arabia's economy depends on stability, foreign investment and uninterrupted energy exports. And while the kingdom managed to continue exporting oil throughout much of the conflict thanks to its east west pipeline bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian attacks still reportedly disrupted hundreds of thousands of barrels a day in oil production and transit capacity. In other words, Tehran wasn't just firing missiles at Saudi Arabia, it was threatening the foundation of the Saudi economy. And that appears to have forced a major strategic shift. For decades, Gulf monarchies largely relied on the American security umbrella to deter Iran from while avoiding direct confrontation themselves. But this war exposed serious vulnerabilities. Iranian missiles pierced regional defenses, global shipping routes were disrupted, and Gulf economies suddenly found themselves directly in the crosshairs. And according to the Financial Times, Qatar even debated retaliatory attacks of its own after Iranian strikes hit the massive Ros Lafond gas facility. Though Doha ultimately chose de escalation instead. What's emerging is a picture of a hidden regional war unfolding behind the public one now. Publicly, Gulf leaders called for restraint and diplomacy. Privately, they were preparing military responses, conducting retaliatory operations, and warning Tehran that they were willing to escalate further if necessary. According to Reuters, Saudi officials warned Iran that further attacks would trigger harsher retaliation, but also pushed simultaneously for de escalation. And by early April, Iranian attacks on Saudi Arabia had reportedly dropped dramatically. That suggests both sides may have quietly reached the same conclusion, that a full scale regional war carried unacceptable risks for everyone involved. Still, the broader takeaway here is difficult to ignore. The Gulf states are no longer simply nervous bystanders hoping that Washington handles Iran for them. They're increasingly acting like independent military powers prepared to defend themselves directly and perhaps reshape the balance of power in the Middle East. Coming up next, a sweeping corruption probe in Ukraine is reaching into President Zelenskyy's inner circle after authorities arrested one of his former top aides on graft charges. I'll be right back. Hey, Mike Baker here.

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Welcome back to the PDB Afternoon Bulletin. Ukraine's long running corruption problems are once again colliding with President Zelensky's wartime administration. After authorities detained the President's ex top aide in a sprawling money laundering investigation, Ukrainian investigators arrested Andre Yermak, the man who for years operated as arguably the second most powerful figure in the country behind Zelensky. This is someone who stood at Zelensky's side throughout wartime diplomacy, negotiations with Russia, meetings with Western leaders, and some of the war's most sensitive moments. Now one obvious question hanging over this latest arrest is how far does this corruption probe actually go? Because what we began tracking months ago here on the PDB as a broader anti corruption operation centered on allegations of kickbacks and money laundering is now pushing deeper into Zelensky's political orbit than at any point since Russia's full scale invasion began. Now Ukraine remains heavily reliant on Western, primarily EU military and financial support, even as Kyiv simultaneously seeks to present itself as a reforming democracy worthy of deeper integration with Europe and NATO. And this scandal is also reopening long running criticism that too much power became concentrated among a tight circle of loyalists around Zelensky during the war. According to Ukrainian anti corruption authorities, Yermak is accused of participating in a criminal group that allegedly laundered roughly $10 million through an elite housing development outside of Kiev. His arrest today was ordered by Ukraine's High Anti Corruption Court following an investigation led by the National Anti Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialized Anti Corruption Prosecutor's Office. Prosecutors are also tying the case to Timur Mindich, a former Zelensky business partner accused of overseeing a separate $100 million kickback scheme tied to Ukraine's energy sector before Mindich fled to Israel. Mindich, the country's former deputy prime minister, has also been drawn into parts of the broader probe. Both he and Yermak deny wrongdoing. While the optics politically aren't good for Zelensky, there is currently no public evidence directly implicating the Ukrainian president in the alleged laundering operation. Now, for background, Yermak was never viewed as just another adviser sitting inside Zelensky's administration. Despite never holding elected office, he wielded enormous influence. Opposition figures in Ukraine spent years warning that too much authority was becoming concentrated among a small circle of loyalists around Zelensky, including Yermak, particularly after Russia's invasion expanded wartime emergency powers. Now, some of you longtime listeners of the PDB may remember that criticism became so politically damaging that Yermak ultimately resigned last year as part of a government shakeup aimed at restoring public confidence in Zelensky's administration. Because even before formal charges against your Mac were unveiled, the corruption scandal had already started resurfacing after Ukrainian media outlets and opposition lawmakers leaked alleged wiretap transcripts tied to the investigation. Now, some caution here. Reuters reported the transcripts could not be independently verified, but the political fallout from the leaks was still significant. In one fragment, individuals allegedly discussed property dealings involving people referred to only as quote Andre and quote Vova, a common nickname for Volodymyr. Almost immediately, that fueled new speculation inside Ukraine over just how close this alleged corruption network may have operated to Zelensky. What makes this entire scandal especially complicated for Kiev is. Is the timing. Ukraine is simultaneously fighting a grinding war against Russia while also trying to convince Western governments that the country is serious about dismantling the corruption culture that plagued Ukraine long before the invasion began. I want to point out that under Ukrainian law, the president cannot be prosecuted while serving in office. But cases like this could become a serious reputational vulnerability when Ukraine eventually holds another presidential election after the war and that, my friends, is the PDB afternoon bulletin for Thursday 14th May. Now if you have any questions or comments, and I hope you do, please reach out to me@pdb the first tv.com and to listen to the show ad free. That is very doable. Just become a premium member of the President's Daily brief by visiting PDB premium.com. i'm Mike Baker and I'll be back tomorrow. Until then, stay informed, stay safe, stay cool.

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