Andrey Yermak has left his position in the Office of the President of Ukraine following searches conducted in his apartment as part of a corruption investigation. Volodymyr Zelensky, announcing this, emphasized his desire to prevent the emergence of rumors and speculation. "I express my gratitude to Andrey for his work, especially in negotiations, where he always represented the Ukrainian position properly," the president noted in his video address to the nation. Zelensky added that in the context of war and external threats, it is very important to maintain the internal stability of the country.
The decree on Yermak's resignation was signed by the president and posted on the official website of the Ukrainian leadership.
After his resignation, Yermak stated his intention to go to the front.
“I am heading to the front line, ready for any consequences. I know that I am an honest person,” he said in a comment to The New York Post. The message was published by journalist Caitlin Dornbos.
“I have been humiliated, and I did not receive proper protection, despite being in Kyiv since February 24, 2022. I do not want to create problems for Zelensky, so I am going to the front. I am outraged by the dirt being thrown at me and the lack of support from those who know the truth,” he added.
He did not specify when exactly he intends to go to the front.
Andrey Yermak was actively involved in negotiations with the United States regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine and led the Ukrainian delegation in these discussions. Now, according to Zelensky, in future negotiations with the American side, Ukraine will be represented by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and intelligence.
The searches in Yermak's apartment were conducted on November 28 by employees of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP). Yermak confirmed that he provided investigators access to his residence and is assisting them.
The investigation is related to a case of embezzlement at the company "Energoatom," where, according to NABU, one of the organizers of the scheme is Zelensky's former business partner Timur Mindich, and potential beneficiaries are high-ranking officials. As part of this case, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, has also been questioned.
Amid the investigation, calls for Yermak's resignation began to emerge within Zelensky's circle to restore public trust; however, the president previously rejected such proposals.
The "Energoatom" case has become the largest corruption investigation in the country in recent years and has already led to the dismissal of the ministers of energy and justice.
