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Zelenski relegates his chief of staff so as not to compromise Ukraine in peace negotiations

The anti-corruption agency searched his home this Friday. Andri Yermak has been a key figure in Ukraine's presidential administration.

Davos (Switzerland), 28/11/2025.- (FILE) - Andriy Yermak, the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, attends a press conference after the 4th meeting of the National Security Advisors (NSA) on the 'Peace Formula' for Ukraine, in Davos, Switzerland, 14 January 2024 (reissued 28 November 2025). Ukrainian President Zelensky announced on 28 November 2025 the resignation of his Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, following an anti-corruption raid on Yermak's home. Yermak, Zelensky's closest advisor, had faced increasing pressure over a corruption scandal, despite not being personally accused of any wrongdoing. (Suiza, Ucrania) EFE/EPA/GIAN EHRENZELLER
Andrí Yermak, in a stock image. Photo: EFE

The Anti-Corruption Agency has registered the home of Ukrainian President Andri Yermak's chief of staff, after which President Volodimir Zelenski has announced his resignation in order not to jeopardize Ukraine's position in Kiev's crucial negotiations with the US on the peace plan.

"He has always held a patriotic stance," Zelenski said in a speech to the nation. Yermakek has led the Ukrainian delegation in recent meetings with the US, and the Ukrainian president has praised his position. However, he has made this decision "to give no room for rumours or speculation."

Thus, the Ukrainian President has announced that representatives of the intelligence services, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Army, and the National Security Council, which together with Yermak formed the negotiating team, will continue to represent Ukraine at its next meeting with the Americans.

Andri Yermak's departure represents the end of an era for President Zelensky's administration. Throughout the war, Yermak has been the most powerful person in Ukraine after the president, to the extent that many regarded him as a de facto prime minister and the most responsible for representing the country abroad above the foreign minister.

Although the Ukrainian Anti-Corruption Office (NABU) has not yet clarified which cases it has conducted searches at Yermaken's home, the media in Kiev link them to the possible involvement of contractors from the public atomic energy company in the network of commissions.

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