Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's chief of staff since 2020 and key peace negotiator, resigned Friday hours after anti-corruption raids targeted his Kyiv apartment and office over alleged kickbacks linked to state nuclear firm Energoatom. Though not formally charged, the scandal Ukraine's gravest political crisis during wartime prompted Yermak's exit amid 70% public support for his removal and cross-party calls for accountability.
Zelenskyy confirmed the resignation in a video address, praising Yermak's patriotic negotiation stance while stressing unity against Russian exploitation: "Russia wants Ukraine to err we will not. Our efforts persist." Yermak led talks with the Trump administration on ending the war but faced scrutiny for unchecked power; his departure weakens Kyiv's position ahead of U.S. meetings with Jared Kushner.
The probe, part of broader graft investigations shaking Zelenskyy's authority, coincides with U.S. pressure for concessions; opposition ties it to Zelenskyy's former associate Tim Mindich fleeing abroad.