Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the resignation of his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, on Friday, November 28. The Ukrainian president's closest ally had been under pressure, particularly after raids conducted by the country's anti-corruption authorities at Yermak's home. The affair has already led to the resignation of several ministers.

" The office of the Ukrainian president will be reorganized. The head of the office, Andriy Yermak, has submitted his resignation ," Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video address, adding that he would hold consultations on Saturday with a possible replacement.

Aged 54, Andriy Yermak headed the Ukrainian delegation in the ongoing peace talks with Russia . This decision comes after raids on the high-ranking official's home, conducted by the Ukrainian anti-corruption agency and the prosecutor's office specializing in such cases, as part of an investigation into a vast corruption scandal in the energy sector.

Considered one of the most influential men in Ukraine, Andriy Yermak was even referred to by some as the " unofficial vice president ." A former film producer and intellectual property lawyer, he had met the Ukrainian president when the latter was a comedian. Volodymyr Zelensky praised his work, stating that he had " always represented Ukraine's position " and adopted " a patriotic stance ." The head of state specified that he would examine Yermak's successor on Saturday.

The energy scandal involving an "Ali Baba"

According to opposition MPs, the searches are linked to one of the biggest corruption scandals of the Zelensky presidency. Andriy Yermak, appointed president in 2020, two years before the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, confirmed the searches, assuring that he was cooperating " fully " with investigators.

In early November, the Ministers of Justice and Energy were dismissed and several people arrested after the discovery of a criminal scheme that had embezzled approximately €86 million from the energy sector . This was allegedly orchestrated by Timur Mindich , a former associate and close friend of Volodymyr Zelensky.

Cornered by these revelations, Volodymyr Zelensky had introduced sanctions against Timur Minditch.

Andriy Iermak is not officially listed among the suspects, but recordings would indirectly mention his role, under the pseudonym "Ali Baba", derived from the first letters of his first name and surname: Andriy Borysovytch.

Since the start of the Russian invasion nearly four years ago, Andriy Yermak has conducted several negotiations in Washington and Geneva, but his influence over Zelensky has drawn criticism. Some Ukrainian observers have denounced his tight control over access to the president and foreign policy, even going so far as to speak of a " hypnotic influence ." His dominant role, combined with this corruption case, could weaken the presidency and affect Ukraine's position in negotiations with the United States , analyst Volodymyr Fessenko told AFP.

Andry Yermak has " excluded the Foreign Ministry " from negotiations with Washington, according to a high-ranking source within the presidential party. " Yermak doesn't allow anyone near Zelensky except loyalists " and seeks to " influence almost every decision of the presidency ," a former senior official who worked with the head of state told AFP. Sometimes referred to as " vice president ," Mr. Yermak accompanies Mr. Zelensky to virtually all official events.