President Zelensky has accepted the resignation of his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, following an anti corruption raid on his home and offices, highlighting the escalating political and diplomatic implications of Ukraine’s graft investigations. The searches, conducted by the National Anti Corruption Bureau and the Specialised Anti Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, form part of a broader investigation targeting alleged corruption among senior officials.
The raid occurred on 28th November 2025, when investigators seized Yermak’s electronic devices and reviewed documents. Yermak said authorities had “full access” to his apartment and that he was cooperating fully, with his lawyers present. While he has not been formally accused of misconduct, the investigation has already intensified political pressure on Kyiv’s leadership and contributed to the resignation of other senior figures, heightening public concern over corruption at the highest levels.
The raid occurred on 28th November 2025, when investigators seized Yermak’s electronic devices and reviewed documents.
Appointed head of the presidential office in February 2020, only one year after Zelensky’s election, Yermak was widely recognised as the President’s closest adviser. He played a central role in Ukraine’s wartime leadership, overseeing diplomacy, peace negotiations and the coordination of state affairs. His resignation removes a key figure from the President’s inner circle at a critical moment, potentially affecting domestic governance and Ukraine’s ongoing negotiations with international partners.
The anti-corruption investigation also involves alleged kickbacks in the state nuclear energy sector, with contractors reportedly paying substantial illicit payments tied to procurement deals. The probe highlights the challenge of tackling systemic graft while maintaining effective wartime leadership.
The anti-corruption investigation also involves alleged kickbacks in the state nuclear energy sector, with contractors reportedly paying substantial illicit payments tied to procurement deals.
Domestically, Yermak’s resignation signals Zelensky’s commitment to tackling corruption and preserving public trust. Internationally, it demonstrates Ukraine’s responsiveness to anti-corruption concerns, which is a key factor in sustaining Western support, including military aid and prospects for European Union integration. Analysts caution, however, that losing such a central figure could temporarily disrupt diplomacy and reduce negotiating leverage in ongoing peace talks.
Although Yermak’s exit marks a significant shift in Kyiv’s leadership, the investigation continues and no formal charges have been filed against him. His resignation illustrates the high stakes of corruption allegations in Ukraine, both domestically and on the international stage.
