rki.news
KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Friday the resignation of his chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, following searches of his residence and office by anti-corruption investigators. Yermak, a trusted confidante of Zelenskyy and lead negotiator in peace talks with Russia and the United States, confirmed full cooperation with authorities.
The searches were conducted by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, which are investigating a $100 million scandal in the energy sector involving senior officials. While Yermak has not been named a suspect, the raids reflect the growing scrutiny of Ukraine’s political elite.
Two former deputies of Yermak previously resigned after anti-graft investigations, and Tymur Mindich, a former business partner of Zelenskyy, is suspected to have masterminded the scandal. Investigators are pursuing proceedings in absentia against him.
The political fallout adds pressure on Zelenskyy as he seeks continued Western support for Ukraine’s war efforts and European Union accession. Lawmakers within Zelenskyy’s party urged Yermak to resign to restore public trust amid the scandal.
Yermak has been a key figure in Ukrainian politics for over 15 years, accompanying Zelenskyy on international trips and overseeing senior appointments. His departure marks a significant shakeup in Kyiv’s administration, highlighting the ongoing challenges Ukraine faces in tackling entrenched corruption while pursuing peace and stability.