Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Friday that his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has resigned following a raid on his residence by the country’s anti-corruption authorities, which has intensified a significant graft scandal at a crucial moment for Ukraine.
Yermak has served as Ukraine’s primary negotiator in peace discussions with both Russia and the United States. He has also been a trusted advisor to Zelenskyy for several years.
In a video address, Zelenskyy stated, “The Office of the President of Ukraine will undergo reorganization. The head of the office, Andriy Yermak, has tendered his resignation,” as reported by the Kyiv Post, adding that discussions regarding a successor would commence on Saturday.
The raid, executed by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP), is associated with an ongoing investigation into a $100-million kickback scheme within Ukraine’s strategic energy sector.
Investigators assert that the scheme was operational as Russia intensified its assaults on Ukraine’s power grid, leading to blackouts and jeopardizing winter heating supplies.
Yermak, aged 54, stated that he is fully cooperating with the investigators.
“There are no barriers for the investigators. They have been granted complete access… and my legal representatives are present on-site,” he posted on social media.
A former film producer and copyright attorney, Yermak has been one of President Zelenskyy’s closest allies since 2019, often referred to as the president’s gatekeeper and the second-most powerful individual in Ukraine.
He also acted as Ukraine’s chief negotiator with the United States regarding a recent draft peace proposal, a position that analysts suggest may be complicated by the ongoing scandal and his resignation.
