Zelensky’s right-hand man Andriy Yermak resigns after house raided in corruption probe
The loss of his chief of staff deals a serious blow to the president, who is facing US pressure amid a mounting Russian offensive
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday removed his powerful chief of staff and top negotiator, Andriy Yermak, after detectives raided his house as part of a sweeping corruption probe.
Yermak’s removal deals a serious blow to Zelensky, who is facing a mounting Russian offensive in the east just as the United States, a crucial ally, proposed a surprise plan to end the war that heavily favoured Moscow.
Just last week, Zelensky had named Yermak, 54, as Ukraine’s top negotiator in high-stakes talks to refine the US plan. That was a vote of confidence amid growing pressure from opposition figures to remove his divisive chief of staff.
Then on Friday, Zelensky announced in a video address: “The Office of the President of Ukraine will be reorganised. The head of the office, Andriy Yermak, has submitted his resignation.”
Minutes later, Zelensky signed a decree “to dismiss” Yermak.
On Friday morning, investigators from the National Anti-Corruption Agency (NABU) said it and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office had raided Yermak’s flat as part of an investigation.