Corruption crisis in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that the Chief of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, has resigned as investigations into widespread corruption in the country continue.

In a statement following searches conducted today at Yermak's home by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO), Zelenskyy said, "I want there to be no questions left in anyone's mind about Ukraine today. Therefore, as part of the internal decisions we have made today, the Office of the President of Ukraine will be reorganized. Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak submitted his resignation today. I am grateful to Andriy for always presenting Ukraine's position in the negotiation process as it should be. As for the new head of the Presidential Office, I will hold consultations tomorrow with people who can lead this institution."

Regarding the search of Yermak's home and the accusations against him, Zelenskyy said, "I want to avoid rumors and speculation." Zelenskyy also addressed Yermak's leadership of the US-Ukraine peace talks held in Switzerland on November 23, announcing who would represent Ukraine in these talks instead of Yermak. Zelenskyy stated that the Ukrainian delegation at the peace talks would consist of officials from the National Security and Defense Council, the General Staff, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and intelligence agencies.

Yermak's home was searched

NABU and SAPO conducted a search today at Yermak's home located on Bankova Street in the capital, Kyiv. Yermak, known as the closest figure to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said in a post on his social media account, "Today, NABU and SAPO are carrying out procedural actions at my home. The investigators are not facing any obstacles. Full access to the apartment has been provided. My lawyers are present at the scene and are cooperating with law enforcement. For my part, I am providing full cooperation."

Zelenskyy had appointed Yermak as head of the delegation for US-Ukraine talks

Yermak had faced calls for his resignation following the corruption scandal. Despite the backlash, Zelenskyy refused to dismiss Yermak and had appointed him to lead the Ukrainian delegation at the US-Ukraine talks held in Switzerland on November 23. Yermak has been seen as the "second most powerful man in Ukraine" since Zelenskyy's 2019 election victory.

Corruption scandal in the energy sector

NABU and SAPO announced on November 10 that, following a 15-month investigation, they were probing a major corruption and bribery scheme in the energy sector, including the state nuclear energy company Energoatom. Charges were filed against a total of 8 people at the ministerial and management levels. These individuals included businessman Timur Mindich, who is said to be at the center of the corruption investigation, former Energy Ministry Advisor Ihor Myroniuk, and Dmytro Basov, Director of Protection and Security at the state nuclear energy company Energoatom; it was also stated that there were individuals involved in money laundering. Zelenskyy had dismissed 2 ministers due to the corruption allegations. Businessman Timur Mindich, known for his closeness to Zelenskyy, had fled the country.