CaliToday (29/11/2025): The inner circle of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been shaken by the sudden resignation of his highly influential Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak. The move comes directly after anti-corruption agencies executed searches at his office, dramatically escalating an ongoing $100 million energy sector corruption scandal involving top government figures.
The Raid and the Resignation
Yermak, a key participant in critical peace deal negotiations with the United States, confirmed the searches, stating he was fully cooperating with authorities. He wrote on the messaging app Telegram:
"The investigators are facing no obstacles. My lawyers are present."
President Zelenskyy swiftly announced Yermak’s resignation in a video address, emphasizing the need for absolute transparency and integrity as Ukraine fights for its survival.
"I want there to be no rumors and speculation. I didn't want there to be any questions about Ukraine."
While Yermak himself has not been formally accused of wrongdoing, the search by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO)—Ukraine's two main anti-corruption watchdogs—sent an immediate signal that the investigation was closing in on the highest levels of the administration.
A Pattern of Ethical Failures
Yermak's departure highlights a deeply troubling pattern of corruption allegations within the Presidential Office, damaging the administration's credibility at a pivotal time:
Predecessors' Woes: Two of Yermak's former deputies, Oleh Tatarov and Rostyslav Shurma, were forced to leave the government in 2024 following probes into financial wrongdoing.
Ongoing Scrutiny: A third deputy, Andrii Smyrnov, has been investigated for bribery and other improprieties but had, until this point, remained employed in Yermak's office.
Western Support and EU Accession at Risk
The timing of this scandal could not be worse for President Zelenskyy. Ukraine desperately needs continued, robust support from Western partners to sustain its four-year war effort against Russia, particularly amid pressure from the Trump administration for a negotiated ceasefire settlement.
The European Union, which Ukraine aspires to join, has explicitly made tackling systemic corruption a non-negotiable prerequisite for accession.
Domestic Fallout: The energy sector investigation had already triggered an unprecedented rebellion from Zelenskyy's own lawmakers earlier this month.
Controversial Legislation: Further fueling domestic concern, Zelenskyy faced major protests in July over a bill he signed that gave the politically appointed prosecutor general more power over the independent anti-corruption agencies (NABU and SAPO). Critics warned this move was potentially political retribution and risked backsliding into the authoritarianism seen under the pro-Russian regime of former President Viktor Yanukovych.
Political Reckoning and the Threat of Disunity
Several senior lawmakers within Zelenskyy's own party had publicly argued that Yermak needed to resign to restore public trust and prevent the party from splitting, a scenario that would threaten the President's parliamentary majority. Despite this internal pressure, Zelenskyy had initially defied calls to fire his long-time ally.
In his address, the President urged Ukrainians to put aside political infighting and "stop the political games," underscoring the necessity of unity in the face of both the Russian invasion and the US push for a settlement.
Yermak, a former lawyer and TV production executive who befriended Zelenskyy over 15 years ago during his comedy career, has been a central figure in Ukrainian politics, serving as Chief of Staff since February 2020 and overseeing critical foreign affairs efforts. His resignation marks a severe blow to the Presidential Office's stability and integrity.