Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday that his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has resigned. The resignation came shortly after anti-corruption officers raided Yermak’s home. The development deepened a widening corruption scandal at a highly sensitive moment for Ukraine.

Yermak has served as the country’s main negotiator in talks with Russia and the United States. He has also been one of Zelenskyy’s closest advisers for years.

In a video message, Zelenskyy said, “The Office of the President of Ukraine will be reorganised. The head of the office, Andriy Yermak, has submitted his resignation,” according to Kyiv Post. He added that discussions to choose a new chief of staff would begin on Saturday.

Raids Linked to Massive Kickback Scheme

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) carried out the raid. Officials said it was part of an investigation into a $100-million kickback scheme involving Ukraine’s strategic energy sector.

Investigators believe the scheme ran while Russia intensified strikes on Ukraine’s power network. These attacks caused widespread outages and put winter heating at risk.

Yermak Says He Is Cooperating Fully

Yermak, 54, said he is helping investigators without hesitation.
“There are no obstacles for the investigators. They have been given full access… and my lawyers are present on-site,” he wrote on social media.

Key Ally Faces Biggest Crisis

Before entering politics, Yermak worked as a film producer and copyright lawyer. Since 2019, he has been seen as Zelenskyy’s gatekeeper and often described as the second most powerful figure in the country.

He recently led negotiations with the United States on a draft peace plan for Ukraine. Analysts say his resignation could complicate future talks, especially as Ukraine tries to maintain support amid the ongoing war.