In a dramatic political shakeup, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has removed his powerful chief of staff Andriy Yermak from office following a corruption investigation that saw authorities raid the official's residence.
Anti-Corruption Raid Precedes Dismissal
The sudden removal came on Friday after investigators from Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Agency (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office conducted a search operation at Yermak's apartment. The raid was part of an ongoing corruption investigation, though specific details about the case weren't immediately disclosed by authorities.
Yermak, who had served as Zelensky's right-hand man, confirmed he was fully cooperating with investigators. The probe reportedly involves allegations of his involvement in a massive $100-million kickback scheme within Ukraine's strategic energy sector, a scandal that investigators uncovered earlier this month.
Timing Creates Political Crisis
The corruption scandal erupted at a particularly sensitive time for Ukraine. Russia is currently hammering Ukraine's power grid, causing widespread blackouts and threatening winter heating outages for millions of citizens. The revelation of high-level corruption during such hardship triggered public anger across the country.
Just last week, Zelensky had demonstrated confidence in Yermak by appointing him as Ukraine's top negotiator in high-stakes talks to refine a surprise peace plan proposed by the United States. The American proposal reportedly contained terms that heavily favored Moscow, making the negotiation process particularly delicate.
Zelensky's Response and Reorganization
President Zelensky announced the reorganization in a video address on Friday, stating "The Office of the President of Ukraine will be reorganised" and confirming that Yermak had submitted his resignation. Minutes after the announcement, Zelensky formalized the dismissal by signing an official decree to remove Yermak from his position.
In his address, Zelensky sought to rally national unity during the crisis, warning that "If we lose our unity, we risk losing everything: ourselves, Ukraine, our future." The president announced he would hold consultations on Saturday to select Yermak's replacement.
During the transition period, talks with the United States will be led by military officials, diplomats and intelligence services rather than a single chief negotiator. The dismissal represents a significant blow to Zelensky's administration as it faces mounting military pressure from Russian forces in eastern Ukraine while navigating complex international diplomacy.
