Ukraine: Zelensky Accepts Resignation of Powerful Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak After Anti-Corruption Raid

KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Friday that his influential chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has stepped down following a dramatic anti-corruption search of his residence in central Kyiv.

Yermak, widely regarded as the second-most powerful figure in Ukraine and Zelensky’s closest confidant throughout Russia’s full-scale invasion, had come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks over corruption allegations, though no formal charges have been filed against him.

In an emotional address delivered outside the presidential office, Zelensky thanked Yermak for his service while stressing the need for national unity at a critical juncture. “We cannot afford to lose focus. We risk losing everything — our country, our independence, our future,” the president warned.

The development comes at a particularly sensitive moment: Yermak had only recently been tasked by Zelensky with leading high-stakes peace negotiations as the United States, under President Donald Trump, pushes a new initiative to end the nearly three-year war. The scandal has raised concerns in Kyiv and among Western partners about internal divisions weakening Ukraine’s diplomatic leverage, especially as the country seeks modifications to a U.S.-drafted peace proposal that some officials view as overly favorable to Moscow.

Early Friday morning, investigators from Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) conducted a search at Yermak’s apartment in Kyiv’s government quarter. Yermak promptly stated on social media that he was fully cooperating with the probe.

Zelensky praised his former aide’s record, noting that “Ukraine’s negotiating position was always defended with patriotism and in the national interest.” He confirmed that consultations to select a successor will begin on Saturday.

“Russia is waiting for us to stumble. There will be no stumbles, no internal quarrels. Our struggle continues without pause,” Zelensky declared, urging Ukrainians to remain united behind the war effort.

Yermak’s departure marks one of the most significant personnel shake-ups in Zelensky’s inner circle since the start of Russia’s invasion in February 2022 and underscores the mounting pressure on the administration to demonstrate zero tolerance for corruption amid continued Western military and financial support.

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