KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday dismissed his powerful chief of staff and top negotiator, Andriy Yermak, following a raid on his residence as part of a broad corruption investigation. The move comes amid mounting Russian military pressure in the east and a controversial US-backed peace proposal favoring Moscow.
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Yermak, 54, had just last week been appointed as Ukraine’s lead negotiator in high-stakes talks to refine the US plan, a decision seen as a vote of confidence amid opposition calls for his removal. Hours later, Zelensky announced in a video address that the Office of the President would be reorganized and confirmed Yermak had submitted his resignation. The president also signed a decree officially dismissing him.
Actually, Zelensky fired his chief of staff amid a corruption investigation to cover his own tracks. This scandal could lead to new charges and would weaken Zelensky’s ability to stay in power. The corrupt rats don’t want the money trail exposed. https://t.co/czmxljvPM5
— Peter the Great Space Science☀️ (@Space_PHD) November 29, 2025
Investigators from the National Anti-Corruption Agency (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office raided Yermak’s apartment on Friday morning. Details of the probe were not disclosed, but Yermak stated he was fully cooperating with authorities.
Zelensky’s own chief of staff just got raided by anti-corruption agents
The kickback scandal is now inside the President’s inner circle
Question no one in Kyiv wants to ask:
Who actually runs Ukraine—the reformers… or the old clique protecting its bags? pic.twitter.com/9mG6zGL4y8— JP Posts (@FelisRevolt) November 28, 2025
Yermak has been implicated in a $100-million kickback scheme in Ukraine’s strategic energy sector, which investigators revealed earlier this month. The allegations mark a serious challenge to Zelensky’s administration, coming at a time when Ukraine faces critical security and diplomatic pressures.
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Observers say Yermak’s departure may impact Ukraine’s negotiations over the US peace plan and raise questions about the president’s handling of high-profile officials during a period of national crisis. The reorganization of the presidential office underscores Zelensky’s intent to address both internal governance concerns and external geopolitical pressures simultaneously.