Zelensky’s Chief of Staff Resigns as Ukraine’s Corruption Probe Widens

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the resignation of his powerful chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, who also served as the country’s lead negotiator in talks with the United States, after Yermak’s residence was searched by anti-corruption investigators, Illia Novikov and Isobel Koshiw reported for the Associated Press (AP).

Acknowledging the likely political fallout over Yermak’s long tenure, Zelenskyy said Russia was waiting for Ukraine to make missteps that could undermine delicate peace negotiations. (Photo: President of Ukraine) 

The unprecedented search at the heart of Ukraine’s government comes at a time when Kyiv is under intense U.S. pressure to sign a peace deal nearly four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion. Yermak, a longtime trusted confidant of Zelenskyy, has long been shielded from calls for his dismissal.

His departure is a major blow for the Ukrainian leader and risks disrupting Kyiv’s negotiating strategy.

Acknowledging the likely political fallout over Yermak’s long tenure, Zelenskyy said Russia was waiting for Ukraine to make missteps that could undermine delicate peace negotiations.

“We don’t have the right to retreat or argue among ourselves. If we lose unity, we risk losing everything—ourselves, Ukraine, our future,” Zelenskyy said.

“We must unite, we must hold on. We have no other choice. We won’t have another Ukraine.”

Yermak’s name did not appear on the list of officials Zelenskyy said would form the Ukrainian delegation for the next round of U.S. negotiations.

Zelenskyy added that “to preserve our internal strength, there must be no reasons to be distracted by anything other than the defense of Ukraine. I don’t want anybody questioning Ukraine, and that’s why we have today’s decisions.”