Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on the 28th that the head of the Ukrainian negotiating delegation and head of the presidential office, Yermak, had submitted his resignation that day. Hours earlier, Yermak's residence had been searched by Ukrainian anti-corruption authorities.
The website of the Ukrainian presidential office shows that Zelenskyy signed a presidential decree dismissing Yermak on the 28th.
In his routine video address that evening, Zelenskyy stated that he did not want outside doubts about Ukraine and hoped to dispel any rumors and speculation. Yermak has submitted his resignation, and the presidential office will be reorganized. Zelenskyy said that on the 29th, he will consult with potential successors to the position.
In his address, Zelenskyy thanked Yermak for accurately articulating Ukraine's position during his tenure as head of the negotiating delegation and for consistently maintaining a "patriotic" stance.
According to reports from the Associated Press, Reuters, and other media outlets, earlier on the 28th, the National Anti-Corruption Service of Ukraine (NABU) and the Office of Special Prosecutors for Anti-Corruption (SAPO) searched Yermak's residence; the results of the search have not yet been released. Yermak confirmed the matter on social media that day, stating that he was "fully cooperating with the investigation."
The report states that NABU and SAPO are leading an investigation into a "major scandal" in the energy sector, implicating several high-ranking Ukrainian officials in money laundering, illicit gains, and other illegal activities. Nearly $100 million in money laundering has been identified. Investigators suspect the mastermind is Timur Mindich, a business partner of Zelenskyy before he entered politics, who has since fled Ukraine. On November 19, the current Minister of Justice and Minister of Energy were dismissed by the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) in connection with the scandal.
According to Reuters, Yermak is not listed as a suspect, but opposition lawmakers and some members of the ruling party have called on Zelenskyy to dismiss him.
Yermak, 54, was a close friend of Zelenskyy when he was a comedian. He helped Zelenskyy win the 2019 presidential election and became a key member of Zelenskyy's government. In February 2020, Yermak was appointed Chief of Staff of the Presidential Office. He has been described by several media outlets as "Zelensky's right-hand man."
According to the Associated Press and other media outlets, Zelensky is facing difficult negotiations with the United States and Russia, and the involvement of several high-ranking Ukrainian government officials in corruption scandals may put even more pressure on him. (End)
