Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has resigned following an anti-corruption search of his Kyiv residence, marking a major shake-up in the president’s inner circle.
Yermak, a key figure in shaping Ukraine’s strategy during Russia’s ongoing invasion, had become the target of intense scrutiny amid a widening scandal, although he faces no formal charges.
Tasked recently with leading sensitive negotiations under a US-backed initiative aimed at ending the war, Yermak’s departure comes as Ukraine navigates a fragile diplomatic period.
Speaking outside his presidential office, Zelensky called on the nation to remain united and vigilant: "We risk losing everything: ourselves, Ukraine, our future."
The controversy surrounding Yermak has dominated headlines, undermining Zelensky’s political authority and affecting the country’s negotiating stance with the United States. Ukraine, supported by European allies, has been advocating changes to a US-drafted peace plan, which critics argue heavily favors Russian interests.
On Friday, Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies Nabu and Sap conducted a search of Yermak’s apartment. Yermak responded on social media, asserting "full co-operation" with investigators.
Zelensky acknowledged Yermak’s contributions, stating, "I'm grateful to Andriy that Ukraine's position on the negotiating track was always presented as required: it was always a patriotic position."
The president added that consultations to appoint a successor would start immediately: "When all the attention is focused on diplomacy and the defence in a war, inner strength is required. Russia wants Ukraine to make mistakes – there won't be any mistakes from our side. Our work continues, our fight continues. We have no right... to retreat, to quarrel [among ourselves]."
Yermak’s exit could weaken Ukraine’s position in upcoming talks, with US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll expected in Kyiv this week under the Trump peace initiative. In Moscow, President Vladimir Putin has endorsed a Hungarian offer to host a possible Trump-Putin summit, maintaining pressure on Kyiv.
"If they don't withdraw, we'll achieve this by force of arms," Putin said, insisting that Ukrainian troops leave the eastern Donbas region. Hours before the raid, Yermak emphasized Ukraine’s firm stance on territorial integrity in an interview with The Atlantic: "As long as Zelensky is president, no-one should count on us giving up territory. He will not sign away territory."
Yermak, 54, acknowledged the heavy demands on him, saying the matter requires "an objective and independent investigation without political influence." Earlier this week, he participated in talks in Geneva with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Recent investigations have linked multiple top officials to a $100 million scheme in the energy sector, including alleged kickbacks in the state nuclear company Enerhoatom. Russia’s involvement in publicizing the claims has raised concern among EU allies, who are already wary of Ukraine’s commitment to anti-corruption reforms.
Earlier this year, Zelensky attempted to curb the powers of anti-corruption bodies, only to reverse the move amid protests and international criticism. Several officials, including Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk and Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko, have been dismissed, and some suspects detained. With Russian attacks damaging energy infrastructure, Ukrainians are now facing power shortages as winter approaches.
Yermak’s popularity had been falling, with 70% of the public calling for his resignation.
His friendship with Zelensky spans over a decade, from their early media days to Yermak’s appointment as chief of staff in 2019. On the night Russia invaded, the two appeared together in a video outside the presidential office, assuring Ukrainians: "We are all here. Our soldiers are here, the citizens are here and we are all here. We are defending our independence, and that's how it will continue."
