Zelensky's chief of staff resigns as Ukraine corruption probe widens

Andriy Yermak, long seen as Ukraine's second most powerful official and Zelensky's trusted right hand, has resigned as chief of staff as corruption investigations widen. The move comes as Kyiv navigates a critical phase of the war and its international diplomacy.

Yermak’s rise began long before the war. He first connected with Zelensky in 2011 when he was an intellectual property lawyer and Zelensky was a television producer. After standing by Zelensky during the 2019 campaign, Yermak became chief of staff, and long stood beside the president as he delivered the now-famous 'we are still here' speech when Russian forces moved on Kyiv.

During his tenure, Yermak helped shape foreign policy, ousted political rivals, and even made battlefield decisions. He was Ukraine's lead negotiator in peace talks with Russia and the United States, a role that placed him at the center of wartime diplomacy and a trusted confidant for years.

Analysts say the resignation could signal a reboot of Kyiv's inner circle or a costly shake-up, depending on who succeeds him and how far corruption investigations extend. With Yermak's departure, peace talks would have to continue without him, complicating Kyiv's ability to maintain domestic discipline and project unity to allies.

Regardless of motive, the shake-up marks a turning point for Kyiv's wartime leadership as the administration tries to balance security, diplomacy, and public accountability on the home front.

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