Zelensky dismisses senior aide following anti-corruption raids

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed his influential chief of staff and lead negotiator, Andriy Yermak, on Friday after authorities conducted a raid on his residence as part of a broad corruption inquiry. This move represents a significant setback for Zelensky, who is confronting intensified Russian attacks in the east while the United States proposes a peace plan Kyiv fears could require major concessions to Moscow.

Yermak, 54, had been expected to represent Ukraine in critical peace discussions in the United States this weekend, according to a senior official familiar with the matter, but those plans have now been disrupted. Just last week, Zelensky had reaffirmed Yermak as Ukraine's chief negotiator, despite increasing pressure from political opponents to remove him.

In a Friday video statement, Zelensky said, "The Office of the President of Ukraine will undergo reorganization. Andriy Yermak, the head of the office, has submitted his resignation." Shortly afterward, he issued a decree formally dismissing Yermak.

Earlier that day, investigators from the National Anti-Corruption Agency (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office carried out a search of Yermak's apartment. The authorities did not disclose details, and Yermak stated he was fully cooperating with the investigation. He faces allegations of involvement in a $100-million kickback scheme in the energy sector, which sparked public outrage amid ongoing attacks on Ukraines power grid causing blackouts and threatening heating shortages this winter.

In response to the scandal, Zelensky appealed for national unity, saying, "If we lose our unity, we risk losing everything: ourselves, Ukraine, our future." He indicated he would consult on a replacement over the weekend. Meanwhile, U.S.-Ukraine discussions will continue under the guidance of military, diplomatic, and intelligence officials. U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is scheduled to visit Kyiv soon to review the proposed peace plan, while U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff will meet with Vladimir Putin in Moscow next week.

Yermak, once Zelensky's closest aide, was a controversial figure in Kyiv. Critics accused him of consolidating power, controlling access to the president, and marginalizing dissenting voices. A former film producer and copyright lawyer, Yermak entered politics alongside Zelensky in 2019. His influence earned him a reputation as the countrys second-most powerful figure, sometimes nicknamed "vice-president."

A former senior official described Yermak as super paranoid and said he controlled most decisions by limiting who could approach Zelensky. Another source within Zelensky's party compared his sway over the president to "hypnosis."

The European Union expressed support for Ukraine's anti-corruption investigations. Paula Pinho, a European Commission spokesperson, said, "We respect these investigations, which show that Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies are performing their duties." Earlier this year, Zelensky faced protests after attempting to weaken the independence of NABU and SPO, and he later reversed the decision following EU criticism.

Yermak had remained a constant presence beside Zelensky throughout the conflict. They were often photographed together at official events, and reports indicate they shared close quarters in the presidential bunker, spending leisure time playing table tennis, watching films, or exercising. Despite this, Yermaks popularity is low, with two-thirds of the population expressing distrust, according to a March 2025 Razumkov Centre poll.

Political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko suggested that Yermaks removal was necessary to strengthen Kyiv's negotiating position with the United States. Zelensky highlighted the delicate timing, emphasizing that Ukraine could not afford political missteps while under pressure from Russia. "Russia really wants Ukraine to make mistakes," he noted.

Author: Sophia Brooks