Ukraine’s most influential politician, Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak, was dismissed from his post today by a decree issued by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. His resignation is linked to the largest corruption scandal in modern Ukraine—the Midas case, which involved searches conducted on Zelenskyy’s closest associate.
Dismissal Following Searches
Andriy Yermak was more than just the head of the administration—he became the central nexus of power in the country. During his tenure, he essentially functioned as the chief diplomat, defense minister, and domestic policy coordinator, often bypassing the traditional structures of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Ministry of Defense.
His influence was unprecedented: Western diplomats and politicians understood that resolving key issues, including military aid and security guarantees, required communication directly with Yermak. He was dubbed the “single entry point” to the Ukrainian government, a status that simultaneously earned respect among allies and strong domestic criticism for the excessive concentration of power in a single person.
Yermak submitted his resignation following searches conducted by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) as part of the Midas case (related to large-scale embezzlement). Although Yermak was not formally charged, the fact that investigative actions were taken against such a high-ranking official made his continued tenure untenable.
Diplomatic Shock Ahead of Negotiations
Yermak’s departure occurred at the most critical moment for Ukrainian diplomacy, immediately creating diplomatic shock and uncertainty.
Yermak was a key figure in back-channel peace talks and Ukraine’s primary communicator with Western partners. According to the publication Axios, citing Ukrainian sources, Yermak resigned just one day before a planned meeting with envoys of the U.S. President, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. These important talks were scheduled to take place on November 29–30 in Miami.
The absence of a single, strong figure well-known to the Western establishment may temporarily slow down decision-making processes and the delivery of critical aid.
Zelenskyy’s Comment: “To Prevent Rumors”
Commenting on Yermak’s dismissal, President Zelenskyy thanked him for his “patriotic stance” in the negotiation process, but stressed the need to eliminate any basis for speculation.
Regarding the future of the peace process, the Ukrainian President assured that negotiations would continue, but the composition of the negotiating group would be expanded to include “the Chief of the General Staff, representatives of the MFA, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), and our intelligence services.”
