Ukrainian President Zelensky said his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has resigned following an anti-corruption raid on his home. Yermak, a man of immense political influence, has been Zelensky’s closest adviser during Russia’s wider war, but is under increasing pressure due to a growing scandal, although he has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
Zelensky recently appointed him to lead crucial negotiations as US President Donald Trump leads a new campaign to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Corruption scandal shook Ukraine
In an address to the nation, Zelensky called for unity and warned that we risk losing everything. The corruption scandal has rocked Ukraine, weakening Zelensky’s own position and jeopardizing the country’s negotiating position with the US at this critical time. Ukraine, with the support of its European allies, is trying to change the terms of the draft US-led peace plan, which were originally thought to be heavily weighted in Russia’s favor.
Who will be the top advisor in place of Yermak?
Zelensky said he would begin discussions on Saturday (today) about who would replace Yermak as his top adviser. He said that when all the focus is on defense in diplomacy and war, inner strength is required. Russia wants Ukraine to make mistakes, there will be no mistakes from our side. Our work continues, our fight continues. We have no right to retreat and fight among ourselves.
Yermak a powerful man in Ukraine
In fact, anti-corruption units in Ukraine raided the residence and office of President Zelensky’s Chief Secretary Andriy Yermak. Two national anti-corruption agencies in Ukraine said they had raided Yermak’s office. Yermak is a powerful figure in Ukraine and a key partner in the ongoing negotiations with the US.
Yermak confirmed that his apartment had also been raided. He wrote on Telegram that the investigators have not faced any kind of obstacle. He said that he is fully cooperating with the authorities and his lawyer is also present.
100 million US dollar corruption case
The Ukraine Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Anti-Corruption Special Prosecution Office are the two agencies that prosecute corruption-related cases in Ukraine. She is investigating a US$100 million corruption case in the energy sector, in which the names of top Ukrainian officials have come to light. After this episode came to light, the problems of Ukrainian President Zelensky, who is seeking support from Western countries to face the Russian war, have increased.
Leave a Reply