Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has stepped down from his position as chief of staff after anti-corruption investigators raided his home.
The 54-year-old submitted his resignation hours after the search of his Kyiv home on Friday morning.
President Zelensky confirmed the departure in a video statement, announcing that the presidential office would undergo restructuring.
"The Office of the President of Ukraine will be reorganised. The head of the office, Andrii Yermak, has submitted his resignation," the President stated.
Mr Yermak had served as President Zelensky's most trusted aide since the Russian invasion began, wielding considerable influence over Ukraine's wartime strategy and diplomatic efforts.
His responsibilities had recently expanded when the Ukrainian leader tasked him with spearheading negotiations to end the war blighting their country, following Russia’s invasion in 2022.
This appointment came as President Donald Trump's administration launched renewed diplomatic initiatives to broker a peace agreement between Kyiv and Ukraine.
Mr Yermak was set to play a central role in these high-stakes negotiations.
Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff has resigned after his home was raided in an anti-corruption probe
|REUTERS
His departure creates a significant vacuum in Ukraine's leadership at a critical juncture, as peace talks appeared to be gaining some momentum.
US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is due to arrive in Kyiv this week, while other officials meet in Moscow as part of President Trump's draft peace plan.
Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies conducted their search of Mr Yermak's apartment early Friday morning, prompting the chief of staff to post on social media that "from my side, there is full co-operation".
Despite the dramatic nature of the raid, Mr Yermak has not been charged with any criminal activity and the specific allegations made against him remain unclear.
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Andriy Yermak was a key figure in Ukrainian negotiations with the US
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The investigation forms part of a broader corruption probe that has intensified pressure on the presidential aide in recent weeks.
Addressing the departure of his chief of staff, President Zelensky said: "I'm grateful to Andriy that Ukraine's position on the negotiating track was always presented as required: it was always a patriotic position."
In the video address, he confirmed that consultations on who to appoint as Mr Yermak’s successor would commence on Saturday.
"When all the attention is focused on diplomacy and the defence in a war, inner strength is required," he continued.
President Zelensky confirmed he will receive consultations on Mr Yermak's replacement on Saturday
|REUTERS
"Russia wants Ukraine to make mistakes – there won't be any mistakes from our side. Our work continues, our fight continues. We have no right... to retreat, to quarrel (amongst ourselves)."
President Zelensky also issued a grave warning about the stakes facing Ukraine during the sombre address.
"We risk losing everything: ourselves, Ukraine, our future," he declared, whilst urging citizens to maintain solidarity."
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