Zelensky's chief of staff Andriy Yermak resigns after anti-corruption raid (www.bbc.com)
from Stamau123@lemmy.world to world@lemmy.world on 28 Nov 22:43
https://lemmy.world/post/39457422

cross-posted from: lemmy.world/post/39457420

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has resigned following an anti-corruption raid on his home.

Yermak, a towering figure with enormous political influence, has been Zelensky’s closest adviser throughout Russia’s full-scale war, but has come under increasing pressure over an escalating scandal - even though he is not accused of any wrongdoing.

Zelensky had recently appointed him to head crucial negotiations, with US President Donald Trump leading a new drive to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

In a stark address to the nation outside his presidential office, Zelensky called for unity, warning: “We risk losing everything: ourselves, Ukraine, our future.”

The corruption scandal has rocked Ukraine for weeks, weakening Zelensky’s own position and jeopardising the country’s negotiating position with the US at a delicate time.

Ukraine, backed by its European allies, has sought to change the terms of a US-led draft peace plan originally seen as heavily slanted towards Russia.

Early on Friday Ukraine’s two anti-corruption agencies raided Yermak’s apartment in Kyiv’s government quarters and the chief of staff said on social media that “from my side there is full co-operation”.

“I’m grateful to Andriy that Ukraine’s position on the negotiating track was always presented as required: it was always a patriotic position,” Ukraine’s president said during his video address in Kyiv.

Zelensky said he would start consultations on Saturday on who would replace Yermak as his top adviser: “When all the attention is focused on diplomacy and the defence in a war, inner strength is required.”

#world