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Ukraine's Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak Resigns Amid Corruption Probe
Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelensky's long-serving chief of staff, stepped down Friday following a raid on his Kyiv residence by anti-corruption investigators, marking a dramatic fall for one of Ukraine's most influential unelected officials.
The resignation comes as Ukraine grapples with deepening public frustration over corruption allegations within Zelensky's inner circle, compounded by relentless Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure ahead of a fourth wartime winter.
From Legal Advisor to Zelensky's Right Hand
Yermak, a former intellectual property lawyer, first connected with Zelensky in 2011 when the latter was a television producer. After playing a key role in Zelensky's 2019 presidential campaign, he assumed the chief of staff position, becoming a fixture beside the president-including during Zelensky's iconic "we are still here" address as Russian forces closed in on Kyiv in February 2022.
Over time, Yermak's influence expanded beyond administrative duties. Reports suggest he shaped foreign policy, sidelined political rivals, and even weighed in on military decisions, cementing his status as Ukraine's de facto second-in-command. Yet his growing power contrasted sharply with waning public approval, particularly as corruption scandals mounted.
Corruption Scandals Erode Public Trust
The turning point arrived in July, when Zelensky's attempt to bring Ukraine's two anti-corruption agencies-Nabu (National Anti-Corruption Bureau) and Sapo (Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office)-under direct government control sparked mass protests. Though Zelensky cited concerns over Russian interference, both the public and the EU opposed the move, forcing a reversal.
By autumn, those same agencies unveiled findings from a probe implicating high-ranking officials, including two ministers, a former deputy prime minister, and a onetime Zelensky business associate, in a scheme to embezzle $100 million from energy-sector public projects. The revelations ignited outrage as Russia's missile and drone barrages left over 500,000 Kyiv residents without power during a single 11-hour raid Friday night.
"We're going through one of the most difficult times in our history," said Iryna, a Kyiv resident, this week. "Unfortunately, lots of families will not see their loved ones, their men, brothers or husbands, because of the war."
Raid and Resignation
Though Yermak was not named as a suspect in the embezzlement case and has denied involvement, investigators seized laptops and mobile phones from his home during Friday's raid, local media reported. His proximity to the scandal-coupled with his unelected authority-proved untenable.
Just days earlier, Yermak had led negotiations with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Geneva, securing concessions in a contentious US-drafted peace proposal criticized for favoring Russia. His abrupt departure now leaves a void as talks resume next week, with Defense Minister Rustem Umerov set to head Ukraine's delegation.
Reactions: A 'Sign of Positive Change'?
Yermak's exit has drawn mixed responses. In a text to the New York Post, he proclaimed his innocence and vowed to join frontline forces: "I'm going to the front and am prepared for any reprisals. I am an honest and decent person."
Others, like Olga Rudenko, editor of the Kyiv Independent, framed the development as a victory for democratic accountability:
"Let's call it what it is: good news. A young democracy like Ukraine has independent institutions strong enough to investigate the most powerful man in the country-and to do so during war. People rooting for Ukraine aren't rooting for a place on the map, but for a place living by certain values-and fighting for them. Today we see these values in action."
Olga Rudenko, Editor, Kyiv Independent
What's Next for Ukraine?
The immediate impact of Yermak's resignation remains unclear. While some view it as a necessary correction amid wartime corruption concerns, others worry about the loss of institutional continuity during critical negotiations. Ukraine's presidential office confirmed Saturday that Umerov will lead the upcoming US talks, but the broader political fallout-and Yermak's next moves-are yet to unfold.
