Zelensky’s Chief of Staff Resigns Amid $100 Million Extortion Probe

The fall of Ukraine’s most influential political operator deepens Kyiv’s internal crisis as Western-backed anti-corruption bodies target Zelensky’s inner circle

Ukraine, PUREWILAYAH.COM — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Friday that Andriy Yermak, his long-time chief of staff and widely viewed as the most powerful figure in Kyiv’s political machine, has submitted his resignation.

In a video address, Zelensky said the move is part of an internal “reboot” of the presidency:

“The head of the office, Andriy Yermak, has submitted his resignation,” Zelensky declared, insisting that Ukraine must not raise questions or doubts regarding its internal affairs.

Zelensky thanked Yermak for his service, claiming Ukraine’s negotiating positions had “always been patriotic,” even as the administration faces a widening crisis of legitimacy at home and abroad.

Anti-Corruption Authorities Raid Yermak’s Home

Hours before the resignation, Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) raided Yermak’s home as part of a major criminal investigation.

NABU gave no details, but officials confirmed the search was tied to a $100 million extortion scheme that recently toppled two government ministers and implicated high-level figures close to Zelensky.

This marks the second raid on a top Zelensky ally within weeks. In mid-November, Ukrainian oligarch Timur Mindich — often described as “Zelensky’s wallet” — fled to Israel only hours before he was scheduled for arrest.

The Most Dramatic Political Downfall in Ukraine

Andriy Yermak, 53, has long been described as “Ukraine’s real power broker” — the man who shaped negotiations with Russia, the United States, and Western governments, and the gatekeeper to every major decision inside the presidency.

He was appointed just last week to lead Ukraine’s negotiating delegation for talks with the U.S., Russia, and other international parties — a sign of the enormous influence he wielded in the Zelensky administration.

Now, his resignation marks the most dramatic political downfall in Ukraine since the start of the conflict.

A Deepening Crisis for Zelensky and His Western Backers

The investigation cuts to the core of a political system heavily funded and backed by the United States and its NATO allies.

For years, critics have warned that Washington’s unconditional support for Kyiv — financial, military, and political — has shielded systemic corruption inside the Ukrainian government. (PW)