Zelensky’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak resigns after anti-corruption raid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, resigned after an anti-corruption raid on his home.

Yermak, 54, was Zelensky’s closest advisor throughout Russia’s large-scale war, but has come under increasing pressure over a corruption scandal – even though he has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies raided his apartment in the government headquarters in Kiev early Friday and Yermak said on social media: “On my part there is full cooperation.”

Zelensky recently appointed his chief of staff to lead crucial negotiations in the coming days, as US President Trump leads a new campaign to end the war with Russia.

“I am grateful to Andriy that Ukraine’s position on the negotiating track has always been presented as requested: it has always been a national position,” the Ukrainian president said in a speech in Kiev on Friday.

“But I want there to be no rumors and speculation. Regarding the new head of the office, tomorrow I will hold consultations with those who may lead this institution. When all attention is focused on diplomacy and defense in war, internal strength is needed.”

Yermak’s departure from Ukraine’s leadership circle would be a major blow to Zelensky, as US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is scheduled to arrive in Kiev by the end of this week as part of Trump’s draft peace plan. American officials head to Moscow next week.

Even hours before the raid on his apartment, Yermak stressed the great influence he enjoys in the Ukrainian leadership, explaining the position of his government, which is under American pressure to make territorial concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“As long as Zelensky is president, no one should count on us giving up territory,” Yermak told The Atlantic website. “He will not give up territory.”

Russia has demanded that Ukraine hand over territory it still controls in the eastern Donetsk region, including several strategically important cities.

“If they do not withdraw, we will achieve this by force of arms,” ​​Putin said on Thursday.

During his interview, Yermak admitted that he had been subjected to “enormous” pressure to step down, adding that “the case is somewhat tumultuous, and there must be an objective and independent investigation without political influence.”