Zelenskyy Dismisses Chief of Staff Yermak Amid Corruption Probe
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has removed his powerful Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, from his post following a law enforcement raid on Yermak’s home as part of a major corruption investigation. The sudden dismissal strikes at the heart of the presidential administration and comes at a critical juncture for Ukraine, which is contending with a renewed Russian offensive and contentious international peace proposals.
Yermak, who also served as a key negotiator on international matters, is accused of involvement in a suspected kickback scheme within the energy sector reportedly worth up to $100 million. The allegations have ignited public outrage, particularly as Ukrainians endure frequent blackouts caused by relentless Russian strikes on the country’s power infrastructure.
Long considered the second-most powerful figure in Ukraine, Yermak was also a deeply divisive one. He was known for consolidating authority within the presidential office and marginalizing other voices and institutions, drawing criticism from some quarters for wielding outsized influence.
His close personal and professional relationship with President Zelenskyy was widely noted. The two were frequent public companions at official events, and multiple media reports indicated they shared living quarters within the presidential compound bunker for security during the war, underscoring their previously unshakable alliance.
The investigation and subsequent firing mark a significant moment for Zelenskyy’s administration, which has sought to maintain international support by promising zero tolerance for corruption, especially during wartime. The move appears to be a direct response to the probe, though the timing raises questions about its potential impact on wartime governance and diplomacy.
Yermak has not publicly commented on the allegations or his dismissal. The corruption investigation by Ukraine’s Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) and National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) is ongoing.
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