Andriy Yermak, one of President Volodymyr Zelenskys closest political partners and the head of Ukraines peace negotiation efforts, submitted his resignation just hours after anti-corruption officers searched his residence in Kyiv.
The Ukrainian leaders chief of staff had recently come under intense scrutiny following allegations tied to a 76 million corruption scheme connected to the countrys energy sector. The investigation is believed to involve high-ranking government figures.
In an official statement, President Zelensky thanked Yermak for his dedication to representing Ukraines interests during peace talks, emphasizing that his stance had always been resolutely patriotic. However, the president made clear that he wished to prevent speculation and announced that consultations to appoint a new head of the office would begin the following day.
Yermak had been scheduled to travel to the United States to take part in discussions on updated peace proposals with American officials, including a planned visit to Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. In recent weeks, he had led negotiations with the US and allied nations after a 28-point roadmap for ending the war was leaked.
According to Zelensky, the process to select a successor will begin on Saturday. In the meantime, a larger collective team will take over negotiation responsibilities. This group includes Andriy Hnatov, Chief of the General Staff of Ukraines armed forces, national security adviser Rustem Umerov, representatives from the foreign ministry, and intelligence officials.
Earlier this week, Ukraines National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO) conducted searches at Yermaks apartment. He confirmed that investigators were granted full access and that his legal team was cooperating fully with authorities.
The raids followed the questioning of Rustem Umerov, further intensifying the political crisis. Investigators allegedly uncovered recorded conversations among senior officials describing a plan to siphon funds from the state-run nuclear energy company Energoatom. The suspected method involved kickbacks of 1015 percent on government contracts.
Although Yermak has not been formally accused of personal financial involvement, he is said to have attempted to interfere with anti-corruption procedures in the past. Critics have frequently labeled him as Kyivs de facto vice president, given his influence and proximity to Zelensky since the 2019 election.
The unfolding scandal has already resulted in the resignation of two cabinet ministers: German Galushchenko and Svitlana Hrynchuk. Both reportedly stepped down at the presidents request, though they have denied any wrongdoing. Additionally, sanctions were imposed on several close associates of the government.
Timur Mindich, a business associate and personal friend of Zelensky, is believed to be the architect of the alleged scheme. He reportedly left the country shortly before officers arrived at his home and continues to deny all accusations.
Political opponents had long suggested that Yermak might become the next high-profile figure to fall, especially after claims that he or someone within his inner circle used the codename Ali Baba in intercepted communications related to the embezzlement network.
Public frustration has intensified as Ukrainians continue to experience frequent power outages caused by ongoing Russian bombardments. Allegations of massive theft from the energy sector have deepened anger and shaken public trust in leadership during wartime.
Under this growing pressure, Zelenskys government is striving to maintain a firm position in peace negotiations. Yermak, before stepping down, reiterated that Ukraine would not surrender any of its territory. He had previously stated that as long as Zelensky remains in office, no land would be given up to Russia.
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump has reportedly sent senior advisers to hold parallel discussions with both Kyiv and Moscow. Sticking points in the proposed settlement include territorial concessions and long-term security guarantees for Ukraine.
Trumps special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, while US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll plans to hold talks with Ukrainian representatives. In a recent address, Putin claimed that Russia was prepared to continue military action indefinitely and insisted that Ukrainian forces withdraw from the territories they currently control.
His remarks signaled that the Kremlin is unwilling to abandon its core demands, including full control over the Donbas region. As the scandal unfolds in Kyiv, concerns are growing that political instability could further weaken Ukraines position at the negotiating table.