Zelensky's chief assistant steps down following corruption investigators' home search

Nov. 28 (UPI) -- Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, stepped down on Friday following a police raid at his residence linked to a major corruption investigation. Yermak had been the lead negotiator for Ukraine in discussions with the Trump administration and was considered the second most influential political figure in the country after Zelensky.

"This situation is extremely unpredictable," a Ukrainian official told Axios. Yermak was set to meet with representatives from former President Donald Trump's team in Miami on Saturday, but those talks have now been called off.

In international developments, Hungarian President Viktor Orban visited Moscow on Friday to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, acting contrary to the European Union's stance. Orban stated his objective was to secure energy supplies for the winter for Hungary, Slovakia, and Serbia.

Zelensky confirmed Yermak's resignation and promised to appoint a new chief of staff in the near future. No formal charges have been announced so far. "Russia wants Ukraine to falter. We will not make mistakes. We must remain united and steadfast," Zelensky stated in a video on X.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) carried out searches at Yermak's home on Thursday morning, according to the Kyiv Post. Yermak acknowledged the searches in a Telegram post, stating that investigators had full access to his residence and that his legal team was present to cooperate fully.

Although authorities have not disclosed the precise reason for the raid, Financial Times reporter Christopher Miller cited sources indicating it is linked to Operation Midas, an investigation into extensive bribery in Ukraine's energy sector. NABU and SAPO confirmed on Telegram that the actions are legally authorized and ongoing, with more details expected.

Earlier in November, Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk resigned after it was revealed that officials at Ukraine's state nuclear energy company Energoatom had manipulated contracts to create bribes and launder roughly $100 million. On Nov. 13, Zelensky also sanctioned his former business partner Timur Mindich due to his involvement in the scandal.

Author’s Analysis: Yermak Resignation Amid Corruption Probe

The resignation of Andriy Yermak marks a significant political shift in Ukraine, coming immediately after a police raid linked to a major corruption investigation. As President Zelensky’s chief of staff and lead negotiator with the Trump administration, Yermak has been central to both domestic and international political processes. His departure leaves a critical gap in the administration during an already sensitive period for Ukraine.

The timing of the resignation is particularly notable, as Yermak was scheduled to meet with representatives from former President Trump’s team in Miami, a meeting now canceled. This abrupt change underscores the unpredictable nature of the situation and its potential impact on ongoing diplomatic channels.

Authorities, including NABU and SAPO, have confirmed that the investigation is legally authorized and ongoing, likely linked to Operation Midas in the energy sector. Previous resignations in November by other government officials highlight a broader corruption issue affecting Ukraine’s state-owned enterprises, especially Energoatom. While no formal charges have been announced against Yermak, the legal scrutiny reflects a concerted effort to address high-level corruption within the government.

From a strategic perspective, Zelensky’s prompt acknowledgment of Yermak’s resignation and commitment to appoint a new chief of staff signals an attempt to maintain political stability. The broader geopolitical context, including Hungary’s recent engagement with Russia on energy issues, adds additional pressure on Ukraine’s leadership to remain united and transparent.

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• Zelensky's top aide resigns after corruption investigators raid home