Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the resignation of his chief of staff Andriy Yermak following an anti-corruption operation targeting Yermak’s Kyiv residence. The development comes at a critically sensitive moment for Ukraine’s leadership as the country navigates both intensified diplomatic efforts to end the war with Russia and mounting domestic pressure over corruption allegations.
Yermak, 54, who has served as Zelensky’s closest advisor throughout Russia’s full-scale invasion, maintained his cooperation with investigators while not facing formal accusations. The president expressed gratitude for Yermak’s “patriotic position” in negotiations during a Friday video address from Kyiv, while simultaneously announcing consultations for his replacement.
The resignation strikes at the core of Ukraine’s leadership structure precisely as U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll prepares to visit Kyiv to advance President Donald Trump’s renewed peace initiative. American officials are scheduled to travel to Moscow the following week, highlighting the delicate timing of this political upheaval.
In a solemn national address delivered outside his presidential office, Zelensky issued a stark warning about internal divisions: “We risk losing everything: ourselves, Ukraine, our future.” He emphasized that Russia anticipates Ukrainian missteps, vowing: “There won’t be any mistakes from our side. Our work continues, our fight continues.”
Yermak had recently been appointed to lead crucial negotiations with Russia and maintained significant influence until his departure. Just hours before the raid, he explicitly stated Ukraine’s position against territorial concessions in an interview with The Atlantic: “As long as Zelensky is president, no-one should count on us giving up territory.”
The corruption scandal that precipitated this political crisis involves alleged embezzlement of approximately $100 million from Ukraine’s energy sector. Investigators from Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) have uncovered an extensive scheme involving kickbacks and influence over state-owned companies, including nuclear energy firm Enerhoatom.
The widening investigation has already resulted in the dismissal of two ministers and several detentions. Notably, Timur Mindich, a former business associate of Zelensky from his entertainment career and co-owner of the Kvartal 95 studio that launched the president’s acting career, has fled the country amid the scandal.