ZELENSKY dismisses Powerful Chief of Staff after anti-corruption raid at his home

Saturday, November 29, 2025 - Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky has announced the resignation of his powerful chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, who also served as the country’s lead negotiator in crucial talks with the United States.

The departure comes immediately after Yermak’s residence was searched by anti-corruption investigators on Thursday, November 27.

The unprecedented search at the heart of Ukraine’s government occurs at a critical moment, as Kyiv faces intense pressure to sign a peace deal nearly four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion began.

Yermak has been a highly trusted confidant of Zelensky's for years, and the Ukrainian leader had long resisted calls to replace him. His departure is a significant blow to the President, potentially disrupting his carefully laid negotiating strategy.

In acknowledging the likely controversy surrounding Yermak’s long tenure, Zelensky referenced the high stakes, stating that Russia was waiting for Ukraine to make missteps and upset the delicate and tense peace negotiations.

“We don’t have a right to retreat or argue between ourselves. If we lose unity, we risk losing everything, ourselves, Ukraine, our future,” Zelensky said. “We must unite, we must hold on. We have no other choice. We won’t have another Ukraine.”

The severity of the situation was underscored by the fact that Yermak’s name did not appear on the official list of officials Zelensky announced would make up the Ukrainian delegation for the next round of negotiations with the United States.