Andriy Yermak Resigns Amid Corruption Probe, Heads to Front Lines

Andriy Yermak, the former chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has resigned from his position amid a growing corruption investigation. Shortly after stepping down, Yermak announced his intention to join the front lines in the ongoing conflict against Russia. His resignation follows a raid by anti-corruption officers on his residence, part of a broader inquiry into an alleged £76 million (NZ$175 million) embezzlement scheme involving Ukraine’s energy sector.

Yermak, considered Zelensky’s closest advisor, made his intentions clear in a message to an American journalist, expressing his readiness for any consequences. “I am going to the front and am prepared for any reprisals,” he stated. He also apologised for potentially being unavailable for future communication. Although he has yet to be officially named a suspect in the investigation, Yermak firmly denies any wrongdoing, asserting that his dignity has been compromised.

The corruption probe, which has been ongoing for approximately 15 months, focuses on Energoatom, Ukraine’s state-run nuclear power plant operator. Investigators allege that officials engaged in corrupt practices, including skimming millions through kickbacks ranging from 10 to 15 percent on contracts. Several high-ranking individuals, including former business partner Timur Mindich, Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk, and Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko, have been implicated. Following the revelations, both Hrynchuk and Halushchenko resigned from their positions.

Despite these developments, officials maintain that President Zelensky was unaware of the alleged corruption scheme. Nonetheless, the involvement of individuals close to him poses a significant threat to his political standing during a crucial phase of the war. Yermak’s departure is seen as a dramatic shift, particularly given that he was expected to travel to the United States this weekend to participate in peace negotiations.

Yermak has faced criticism for allegedly consolidating power and suppressing political dissent. Earlier this summer, he was linked to an effort to weaken Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions, which sparked public protests and attracted international condemnation. In response to the political backlash, Yermak expressed his frustration, stating, “I’m disgusted by the filth directed at me, and even more disgusted by the lack of support from those who know the truth.”

In announcing Yermak’s resignation on Friday evening, Zelensky conveyed gratitude for his long-time ally’s service and indicated that consultations for a replacement would begin promptly. Speculation regarding potential successors includes Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal, and Kyrylo Budanov, the head of military intelligence.

As Ukraine prepares for critical discussions with Washington, now to be led by Rustem Umerov, secretary of the country’s security and defence council, the political climate remains tense. Just as these negotiations are set to unfold, Russia launched a substantial nine-hour missile and drone attack on Kyiv, resulting in the deaths of at least two individuals and causing significant damage across several districts. The attacks left parts of the capital without electricity and water.

In a separate incident, two sanctioned oil tankers linked to Russia’s shadow fleet caught fire in the Black Sea near the Bosphorus Strait, following what authorities described as “external interference.” A senior Turkish official suggested that the vessels may have been struck by mines, drones, or missiles. Both the Russian and Ukrainian governments have refrained from commenting on this situation.

Yermak’s resignation and subsequent commitment to the front lines underscore the complexities of Ukrainian politics during an ongoing war, where issues of corruption and governance intertwine with the nation’s fight for sovereignty.