Political Upheaval in Ukraine: The Resignation of Andriy Yermak

Fri Dec 05 2025 03:50:14 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to President Zelensky, resigns amid corruption scandals and public discontent, raising questions about Ukraine's political future during ongoing war.

Andriy Yermak, a significant political figure in Ukraine as President Zelensky's chief of staff, has resigned following an anti-corruption investigation linked to his office. This event raises concerns about stability and continuity within the Ukrainian government as the country navigates the ongoing war with Russia and grapples with public dissatisfaction over corruption. Protests erupted after the government's attempt to strip anti-corruption bodies of their independence, culminating in Yermak's sudden departure just hours after a raid on his home. The future implications for Ukraine's governance remain uncertain as talks with international allies continue.

Political Upheaval in Ukraine: The Resignation of Andriy Yermak

Andriy Yermak was a constant, looming presence in Ukraine's government - a seemingly immovable figure on the political stage. Despite his towering frame, you might not always have spotted him. Yet, wherever President Volodymyr Zelensky was, Yermak was often not far away.

As his chief of staff, Yermak wielded enormous power at the top of government and was even trusted to negotiate on Ukraine's behalf at peace talks with the US. However, his influence was met with growing public resentment, culminating in his abrupt departure on Friday following a raid by anti-corruption investigators at his home in Kyiv.

The resignation is a significant blow to Zelensky’s administration at a time when Ukraine is navigating both military conflict and internal political pressures, prompting discussions about whether this marks a necessary reset for Kyiv or an upheaval fraught with challenges.