Andrey Ermak, a key advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the leading negotiator on peace settlement issues, has announced his resignation. This decision follows searches conducted by anti-corruption agencies in his apartment, adding new tension to the presidential administration, which is already facing a corruption scandal.
Ermak's resignation complicates Zelensky's position, who is under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, demanding painful concessions from Kyiv as part of the peace plan.
According to The Guardian, the corruption scandal involving Ermak intensifies pressure on the Ukrainian authorities and may affect the country's negotiating positions. The search in Ermak's apartment, conducted by NABU officials, is perceived not only as an investigative action but also as a political signal that holds significance both in Kyiv and in international relations.
Ermak played a central role in decision-making, controlling access to the president and coordinating interactions with Western leaders. A reduction in his influence could weaken the Ukrainian negotiating team and make it more vulnerable to external pressure.
Investigative authorities are examining possible abuses in the energy sector, including the activities of the state company Energoatom. Although Ermak is currently not considered a suspect, the search itself has created a crisis atmosphere within the government, which is perceived by partners as a sign of instability and by opponents as an opportunity for pressure.
Experts interviewed by the publication suggest that under the pressure of the political situation, Kyiv may be ready for more flexible formulations in negotiations. This does not necessarily mean direct concessions but may include a softening of rhetoric and a willingness to discuss previously unacceptable topics.
Domestic pressure is also mounting: opposition deputies are demanding Ermak's resignation, and the public, weary of war and power outages, is losing patience with corruption. This creates limited maneuvering opportunities and forces the president to seek ways for quick stabilization, as noted by The Guardian.
Against this backdrop, any steps toward compromise may be perceived as forced measures to ensure governability and trust. This also makes Ukraine more yielding in the eyes of international players. Ermak himself, however, continues to assert that Ukraine will not give up its territories.
Analysts interviewed by The Financial Times describe Ermak's resignation as a "mini-revolution." No one close to Zelensky had such influence, and his absence will be significant. Ermak effectively performed the functions of a vice president, making key diplomatic, military, and political decisions.
Since February 24, 2022, Ermak and Zelensky have worked and lived together in the presidential residence. Ermak has mentioned that their mornings often began with joint workouts in the gym.
According to Oleg Ryabchuk, former head of the administration of ex-President Yushchenko, Ermak and Zelensky became so close that they "merged into one." Ermak's departure may signify a new phase in Zelensky's leadership and governance of the country. Kyiv political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko characterized the resignation as "an inevitable, albeit painful decision" for Zelensky. He added that without Ermak, the president's influence may diminish.
However, some experts believe that in the long term, this could benefit Zelensky. William Taylor, former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, stated that the resignation could strengthen Zelensky's position both domestically and internationally.
"Ermak was recognized as a competent and influential, but also a controversial figure," noted Taylor. "Zelensky has young and capable people who can take Ermak's place, possibly dividing domestic and international tasks among themselves."
Andrey Ermak has announced that he plans to go to the front. In an interview with a journalist from The New York Post, he emphasized that he considers himself a decent and honest person who has been disgraced, and that his dignity was not protected by "those who know the truth." However, he did not specify when and how he plans to reach the front lines.
Ermak's dismissal may become Zelensky's most serious test since 2019, as reported by CNN. A former Ukrainian official stated that the decision to resign was made too late, and now many Ukrainians will wonder what the president knew about Ermak's actions.
The chaos at the very center of power in Kyiv may prove to be the most destructive, concludes the publication.
