Zelensky’s Top Aide Andriy Yermak Resigns After Anti-Corruption Raid Amid High-Stakes Peace Talks

One of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s closest allies and most influential figures in Ukraine’s government has resigned following a raid on his home by anti-corruption authorities. Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak — widely viewed as the second most powerful man in Ukraine — stepped down Friday, just days before renewed peace negotiations with the United States.

Zelensky announced the resignation during his daily televised address, saying he wanted to eliminate any doubt about Kyiv’s integrity as Ukraine navigates mounting pressure from Washington to accept a deal to end the war with Russia.

Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) conducted the search early Friday as part of a widening investigation into alleged kickbacks tied to critical energy infrastructure. The probe has already led to the removal of senior officials and heightened scrutiny of Zelensky’s inner circle.

Yermak has been leading Ukraine’s negotiating team in recent discussions with U.S. officials in Geneva. His departure leaves a sudden leadership void ahead of crucial talks, where Ukraine has been resisting proposals aligned with Russia’s demands — including territorial concessions, military reductions and a ban on NATO membership.

Zelensky said he will meet with potential replacements immediately. Key defense, intelligence and diplomatic officials will continue representing Ukraine in negotiations.

The resignation has drawn swift reaction abroad. The Kremlin said it is closely watching the political fallout, calling the situation “uncertain.” Inside Ukraine, the move is being seen as a major test of Zelensky’s long-promised anti-corruption reforms — a condition for European Union accession talks and continued Western support.

Ukraine has made progress rooting out corruption since Russia’s invasion, and international partners have praised Kyiv for allowing investigations to target even the most senior officials. Still, recent allegations against Zelensky allies — including former government ministers and business associates — have intensified scrutiny during a crucial phase of the war.

Negotiations involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia are expected to continue in the coming days, though any breakthrough appears unlikely as Moscow maintains maximalist goals and political turbulence grows in Kyiv.

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