Ukraine's Power Broker Falls: Zelenskyy's Chief of Staff Resigns Amid Corruption Probe

KYIV. In a surprising development, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Friday that his most powerful aide, Andrii Yermak, has resigned. This announcement came just hours after anti-corruption investigators raided Yermak's residence early in the morning.

Yermak has been Ukraine's chief negotiator in key peace talks with Russia and the United States. His departure signals one of the most significant political changes since the war began nearly four years ago. This is a particularly tricky time for Kyiv, as it faces increasing pressure from the U.S. to reach a settlement with Moscow.

The Raid That Changed Everything

Before dawn on Friday, investigators from Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office arrived at Yermak's apartment in the heavily guarded presidential compound in downtown Kyiv. The secured location highlighted the unusual nature of the operation.

"The investigators are facing no obstacles," Yermak wrote on Telegram during the search, claiming he was cooperating fully with his lawyers present. However, this message masked the seriousness of the situation: Ukraine's second-most powerful figure was under investigation at the core of the government.

Yermak has not been formally named as a suspect, and his spokesperson, Oleksii Tkachuk, stated that investigators hadn’t informed Yermak about the reasons for the searches. Nonetheless, the optics were damaging.

The $100 Million Shadow

The timing of the raid is no accident. Recently, Ukraine has been rocked by revelations of a massive $100 million corruption scandal in the energy sector, involving top officials and dominating local news. Two government ministers have already stepped down. Investigators believe Tymur Mindich, a former business associate of Zelenskyy, orchestrated the scheme before escaping the country.

It is unclear whether the searches on Friday were related to this case. Still, the mounting suspicion around Yermak has proven difficult to shake off. Several of his former deputies have already left government amidst their own corruption investigations, and the pressure on Yermak appeared to be increasing.

The Gatekeeper's Rise and Fall

Yermak's story is akin to a political thriller. He first met Zelenskyy over 15 years ago when they both worked in entertainment—Yermak as a lawyer involved in TV production and Zelenskyy as Ukraine's most famous comedian. When Zelenskyy unexpectedly won the presidency, Yermak joined him, becoming chief of staff in February 2020.

Since Russia's invasion in February 2022, Yermak has shadowed Zelenskyy on every foreign trip, wielding power that insiders describe as nearly "untouchable." He became known as the president's gatekeeper, believed to handpick every major government appointment, including prime ministers and cabinet ministers.

This power made him essential but also made him a target.

Political Reckoning

The pressure had been rising for weeks. Earlier this month, Zelenskyy faced what many called an "unprecedented rebellion" from lawmakers in his party, who demanded Yermak take responsibility for the corruption issues surrounding his office. Some warned that failing to remove him could split the party and jeopardize Zelenskyy’s parliamentary majority.

Initially, the president resisted these calls, urging Ukrainians to "stop the political games" and unite in light of American pressure for a peace deal. However, the raid on Friday seems to have forced his decision.

The European Union, which Ukraine hopes to join, has made it clear that tackling corruption is essential. A spokesperson from the European Commission told Radio Svoboda on Friday that the searches showed Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies were functioning, emphasizing that Western support comes with requirements.

What Comes Next

Yermak's resignation creates a significant gap at the center of Ukrainian power at a time when the country can least afford it. Peace talks with Russia and the United States are at a critical point, Western funding is uncertain, and Zelenskyy is entering one of the most challenging phases of his presidency.

For a leader who once used humor to rise to Ukraine's highest office, losing his closest ally is a serious issue. The key question now is whether this strong display against corruption will satisfy Ukraine's Western partners or if it marks the start of a deeper crisis within Zelenskyy's troubled administration.