The Fall of Andriy Yermak: A Reset for Kyiv or a Dangerous Disruption?

Andriy Yermak, once regarded as the second most powerful man in Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelensky, has resigned in what may become one of the most consequential political shifts since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. His departure came only hours after anti-corruption investigators raided his home in Kyiv, marking a dramatic moment in a country under enormous military, political, and social strain.

The Shadow Power Behind Ukraine’s Presidency

Towering physically and politically, Yermak has been a central but often discreet force in Ukraine’s wartime government. Despite not being elected, he wielded unprecedented influence as Zelensky’s chief of staff. His duties ranged from shaping foreign policy and managing rival factions to representing Ukraine in sensitive negotiations with the United States.

His relationship with Zelensky dates back to 2011, when Yermak was an intellectual property lawyer and Zelensky a television producer. During Zelensky’s rise to the presidency in 2019, Yermak became indispensable. He stood beside the president during the iconic “we are still here” speech delivered as Russian forces approached Kyiv in February 2022.

Over time, observers frequently described Yermak as “Ukraine’s most powerful unelected official.”

Public Anger Rising

But while Yermak consolidated power inside the Presidential Office, his popularity outside it deteriorated. Critics accused him of acting like a gatekeeper of the state, controlling access to the president, removing rivals, and making decisions that traditionally required democratic oversight.

The breaking point came in July 2025, when Zelensky pushed legislation to curb the independence of Ukraine’s two anti-corruption agencies—NABU and SAPO—placing them under the control of the prosecutor general. The move sparked mass protests across Kyiv and forced the government to reverse course.

Later that year, the re-empowered agencies released the findings of a sweeping corruption investigation implicating high-ranking figures close to the presidency. A former deputy prime minister, two ministers, and a onetime business associate of Zelensky were accused of siphoning off $100 million in energy-sector funds.

As Russia intensified attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid, the timing of the scandal further fueled public outrage. The perception that insiders profited while civilians endured blackouts deeply damaged Zelensky’s credibility—and, by extension, Yermak’s.

Though Yermak was not named as a suspect, rumors swirled that he “must have known something.” Investigators seized laptops and phones from his home during their search.

A Blow to Ukrainian Diplomacy

Just days before his resignation, Yermak met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Geneva to discuss Washington’s latest peace proposal—one widely criticized in Europe for allegedly conceding too much to Moscow.

Zelensky publicly thanked Yermak for ensuring Ukraine’s negotiating position “remained patriotic,” yet acknowledged that internal unity was essential at a moment when “Ukraine risks losing everything.”

Losing Yermak now is deeply destabilizing, analysts say. As peace negotiations intensify and Russia escalates military pressure, Kyiv must maintain diplomatic consistency. Who will replace Yermak is still unknown.

Crisis or Renewal?

The political establishment is divided.

Some argue that dismissing one of Zelensky’s key strategists during wartime jeopardizes Ukraine’s ability to negotiate and coordinate with Western allies. Others see Yermak’s fall as proof that Ukraine’s institutions, despite the war, remain capable of holding the powerful accountable.

Olga Rudenko, editor-in-chief of the Kyiv Independent, offered a blunt assessment:

“This is good news. Ukraine is showing the values it claims to defend. Independent institutions are strong enough to investigate one of the most powerful men in the country—even during a war.”

According to this view, Yermak’s departure marks a milestone in Ukraine’s democratic resilience and could restore public trust.

Yermak’s Future Remains Uncertain

The New York Post reported that Yermak messaged the outlet saying he was ready to serve on the front line, claiming innocence and declaring:
“I am an honest and decent person.”

Whether he will fade from the political scene or attempt a comeback remains unknown.

What is certain is that Ukraine faces pivotal choices in the coming weeks. Without Yermak, Zelensky must navigate war, diplomacy, anti-corruption reforms, and domestic pressure—simultaneously.

The key question remains:
Is Ukraine witnessing a necessary reboot, or will this become a costly rupture at the worst possible moment?