Andriy Yermak, the chief adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has resigned from his position. According to U.S. television network CNN, Yermak—who also served as head of the President’s Office—submitted his resignation on Friday.
Yermak had been one of the key negotiators in the U.S.–Ukraine peace plan aimed at ending the Russia–Ukraine war. He stepped down after investigators raided his residence in connection with a corruption case.
Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office carried out the raid as part of a wider inquiry into high-level graft. The development has triggered political upheaval in Kyiv at a time when sensitive negotiations with Washington are underway.
In a televised address on Friday night, President Zelensky confirmed that Yermak had submitted his resignation letter. “My wish is that nobody should have any reason to raise questions about Ukraine right now. That is why we are moving ahead with internal decisions,” Zelensky said.
Corruption Investigation and Political Reactions
Two weeks earlier, the same agencies had launched an extensive investigation into allegations of major kickbacks involving Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Two ministers have already resigned in connection with that case. During the raid, Yermak said on Telegram that he was “fully cooperating” with investigators.
Yermak recently led the Ukrainian delegation during talks with a U.S. team in Geneva. Ukraine and European partners had sharply criticized a 28-point peace proposal prepared during the Trump administration, saying it heavily favored Russian demands.
Yermak played a key role in pressing Washington to revise the framework. His resignation has created uncertainty over the next round of negotiations, scheduled to take place within days. It remains unclear who will replace him, and Zelensky said he would meet potential successors on Saturday.
Impact on Peace Talks and Reform Efforts
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the Yermak episode was “rapidly intensifying political uncertainty” in Ukraine. “It is difficult to predict what will happen next,” he told CNN. Ukraine has long faced criticism over corruption, and reforms remain essential for its bid to join the European Union. Even during the war, Zelensky has taken tough measures, dismissing several ministers and senior officials.
While the United States says the peace talks have made “progress,” Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown no flexibility on his long-standing demands. Yermak’s resignation at such a sensitive moment has raised concerns that Ukraine’s diplomatic leverage could weaken. All eyes are now on how Kyiv will maintain its position in the upcoming round of talks.
