Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff Andrii Yermak has resigned from his position following a police raid on his home as part of a major corruption investigation.
The Corruption Scandal Unfolds
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office conducted the raid on Friday as part of their probe into a $100 million (£76 million) embezzlement scheme involving Ukraine's state nuclear power company, Energoatom.
In an evening address, President Zelensky confirmed that Yermak had submitted his resignation letter after law enforcement officers searched his residence. The president expressed gratitude to his chief of staff for "always presenting the Ukrainian position in the negotiation track exactly as it should be" but emphasised the need for unity during wartime.
Zelensky stated that there should be "no reason to be distracted by anything other than defending Ukraine" amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Yermak's Response and Background
Before tendering his resignation, the 54-year-old former film producer took to Telegram to declare his full cooperation with investigators. "They were given full access to the apartment, my lawyers are on site, interacting with law enforcement officers. For my part, I fully cooperate," Yermak wrote.
Notably, Yermak has not been formally accused of any specific wrongdoing, and his spokesman Oleksii Tkachuk confirmed that he had not received a notice of suspicion, meaning he wasn't officially a suspect in the investigation.
The corruption probe, codenamed Operation Midas, represents a significant development in Ukraine's ongoing anti-corruption efforts. The 15-month investigation involved more than 1,000 hours of wiretapping and resulted in over 70 raids.
Operation Midas and Wider Implications
Earlier this month, anti-corruption watchdogs released a report implicating several government members in the massive embezzlement scheme. Investigators allege that a criminal group extracted kickbacks worth 10-15% of contract values and laundered the substantial sums through a secret office in Kyiv.
Eight individuals have been accused of bribery, abuse of office, and possession of disproportionate assets in connection with the scandal. The investigation believes the scheme was masterminded by Tymur Mindich, a former business partner of President Zelensky who has since fled Ukraine.
The scandal has already claimed several high-profile resignations. Two top government ministers have stepped down, and two of Yermak's former deputies - Oleh Tatarov and Rostyslav Shurma - left the government in 2024 after watchdogs investigated them for financial misconduct.
A third deputy, Andrii Smyrnov, was investigated for bribery and other wrongdoing but continues to work in the administration.
Yermak's Political Career and International Role
Andrii Yermak's journey to becoming one of Ukraine's most powerful figures began long before his political career. Born in Kyiv, he earned an MA in international private law from Taras Shevchenko National University and established his own law firm in 1997.
His entry into politics saw him providing legal advice to Elbrus Tedeyev, a Party of Regions MP and former Olympic wrestling champion. Beyond politics, Yermak founded the Garnet International Media Group in 2012, producing films and maintaining membership in both the Ukrainian Film Academy and European Film Academy.
Yermak's relationship with Zelensky dates back to 2011 when both men worked in the entertainment sector. Their bond strengthened during Zelensky's 2019 election campaign, leading to Yermak's appointment as Presidential Aide for Foreign Policy Issues after the election victory.
In February 2020, he ascended to Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine and joined the National Security Defence Council the following day. His responsibilities expanded further in 2022 when he was appointed chairman of the Coordination Headquarters for Humanitarian and Social Affairs.
Known in some circles as Kyiv's "Green Cardinal" - a reference to Zelensky's surname meaning "green" in Eastern Slavic languages - Yermak gained a reputation as a skilled dealmaker working behind the scenes. His influence earned him recognition as one of The Times' 100 most influential people of 2024, with the magazine noting his success in building "a network of friends for Ukraine across the world."
Impact on Peace Negotiations
Yermak's resignation comes at a critical juncture in Ukraine's diplomatic efforts. He had been substantially involved in peace talks aimed at ending the conflict with Russia, most recently fronting discussions in Geneva with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Before the police raid disrupted diplomatic schedules, US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll was scheduled to arrive in Kyiv by the end of the week as President Donald Trump advanced a draft peace plan between Russia and Ukraine. American officials are expected to travel to Moscow next week to continue negotiations.
Hours before investigators searched his home, Yermak gave an interview to The Atlantic in which he firmly stated that "as long as Zelensky is president, no-one should count on us giving up territory. He will not sign away territory."
The timing of his departure raises questions about potential impacts on the delicate negotiation process and Ukraine's diplomatic strategy moving forward.
