In a significant political upheaval, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, announced his resignation on Friday, following a raid by investigators from the anti-corruption agency at his residence. This development is particularly crucial as it unfolds amid ongoing diplomatic efforts by the Trump administration to broker a peace deal aimed at ending the prolonged conflict in Ukraine.
Yermak's departure marks a pivotal moment in Ukraine's political landscape, as he was regarded as the most influential figure in the government after President Zelensky. His extensive reach into domestic politics, military matters, and foreign policy has made his resignation a topic of intense scrutiny and speculation. A Ukrainian official voiced concerns, stating, "There is a lot of uncertainty right now," highlighting the precarious nature of the situation.
The resignation of Yermak came just a day before he was slated to travel to Miami for discussions with President Trump's team regarding the peace plan. The chief of staff has recently been embroiled in a significant corruption scandal linked to allegations of embezzlement within the energy sector. Although he has not been directly named in the accusations, opposition figures had been vocally demanding Yermak's resignation. Despite the pressure, President Zelensky had previously defended him, rebuffing calls for his dismissal.
A U.S. official indicated to Axios last week that the ongoing scandal could potentially undermine Ukraine's negotiating stance in discussions with Russia. In an interview, Yermak fervently defended the anti-corruption efforts of President Zelensky's administration and emphasized the importance of continuing investigations without politicization. He reiterated that his primary focus remains on ending the war.
In the wake of Yermak's resignation, President Zelensky made a public announcement, stating that he plans to restructure the president's office and appoint a new chief of staff in the coming days. "Russia really wants Ukraine to make mistakes. There will be no mistakes on our side," Zelensky asserted in a video released after the resignation. He stressed the necessity of maintaining unity, stating, "If we lose our unity, we risk losing everything."
Yermak had been leading the Ukrainian negotiations with Russia, including recent discussions in Geneva with a U.S. delegation headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. These negotiations led to significant revisions in President Trump's original 28-point peace plan, resulting in a new 19-point proposal that better aligns with Ukrainian interests. Following Yermak's resignation, he was still expected to travel to Miami with several of Zelensky's advisers to meet with Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Ukrainian officials expressed that while Yermak's resignation may complicate ongoing negotiations, it will not alter Ukraine's determined stance on ending the war, a position firmly established by President Zelensky. As the situation continues to evolve, all eyes will be on how these political changes impact Ukraine's diplomatic efforts and its path toward peace.