Paul Kirby,Europe digital editor and
Jaroslav Lukiv
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, resigned following an anti-corruption raid on his home.
Yermak, 54, has been Zelensky’s closest adviser throughout Russia’s full-scale war, but has come under increasing pressure over a corruption scandal – even though he was not accused of any wrongdoing.
Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies raided his apartment in Kyiv’s government quarters early on Friday and Yermak said on social media that “from my side there is full co-operation”.
Zelensky had recently appointed his chief of staff to lead crucial negotiations in the coming days, with US President Trump spearheading a new drive to end the war with Russia.
“I’m grateful to Andriy that Ukraine’s position on the negotiating track was always presented as required: it was always a patriotic position,” Ukraine’s leader said in an address in Kyiv on Friday.
“But I want there to be no rumours and speculation. Regarding a new office head, tomorrow I’ll hold consultations with those who might lead this institution. When all the attention is focused on diplomacy and the defence in a war, inner strength is required.”
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