Guwahati: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has resigned following an anti-corruption raid at his residence.
Yermak, a key political figure and Zelensky’s closest adviser during Russia’s full-scale invasion, has faced growing pressure amid a corruption scandal, although he has not been formally accused of any wrongdoing.
Zelensky had recently assigned Yermak to lead critical negotiations, with US President Donald Trump spearheading a new effort to end the war.
In a national address outside his office, Zelensky urged unity and warned: “We risk losing everything: ourselves, Ukraine, our future.”
The scandal has unsettled Ukraine for weeks, weakening Zelensky’s position and affecting the country’s diplomatic stance with the United States. Ukraine, with support from European allies, has sought changes to a US-led draft peace plan initially seen as favoring Russia.
Early on Friday, Ukraine’s two anti-corruption agencies raided Yermak’s apartment in Kyiv’s government district. Yermak said on social media that he was fully cooperating with the investigation.
In a video address, Zelensky expressed gratitude to Yermak, stating that “Ukraine’s position on the negotiating track was always presented as required: it was always a patriotic position.”
Zelensky added that consultations to appoint a new top adviser would begin on Saturday. He emphasized the importance of focus and unity, saying: “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].”