A senior advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky - the head of his office, Andriy Ermak - resigned today after a search by anti-corruption services, DPA reported. The agency notes that this could be seen as a blow to diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
Zelensky thanked Yermak when he announced his resignation, adding that he would restructure his office.
“I don't want any rumors and speculation“, the head of state said in a video address, adding that he would talk to Yermak's potential successor tomorrow.
DPA recalled that Ukraine, which has been at war with Russia for more than three years, has been rocked in recent weeks by a corruption scandal that has reached the national leadership. Zelensky has maintained a conspicuous silence on the deepening investigation into Yermak and other senior officials, which is why he has been criticized for his hesitation all day today, the agency notes.
The search operation is related to an ongoing investigation, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) announced.
Before resigning, Yermak confirmed that his home had been searched.
“Investigators are not encountering any obstacles“, he said on social media, promising full cooperation.
The news website “Ukrainska Pravda“ showed photos of 10 NABU and SAP officers entering the government district.
Yermak has headed the presidential office since February 2020 and was considered the second most powerful person in Ukraine. Observers see his forced resignation as a serious blow to Zelensky.
The loyalty of the parliamentary faction on which Zelensky’s power is based may now also be called into question.
In his video address, Zelensky warned of external pressure and internal conflicts in Ukraine. “If we lose our unity, we risk losing everything. Ourself, Ukraine, our future,” he said.
Yermak is also a central figure in negotiations with the United States to end the war with Russia. His appointment last week as head of the Ukrainian delegation to the peace talks surprised political observers in Kiev after a corruption scandal brought him into the spotlight. However, according to media reports, Zelensky specifically appointed Ermak as chief negotiator at a meeting in Geneva on Sunday to distance him from the investigation.