Andriy Yermak was long viewed as an unshakeable pillar within Ukraine’s political system — a towering, ever-present figure whose influence often rivaled that of many elected officials. Though his imposing physical presence did not always command immediate attention, his proximity to President Volodymyr Zelensky was unmistakable. Wherever Zelensky appeared, Yermak was rarely far behind.
As Zelensky’s chief of staff, Yermak held immense power at the heart of government. His role transcended administrative duties: he became a key architect of policy, a strategist shaping Ukraine’s foreign relationships, and even a negotiator trusted to speak on Kyiv’s behalf during peace discussions with the United States. But as his authority expanded, so too did public unease. Many Ukrainians grew increasingly concerned about the sway this unelected official exerted over the state. That unease transformed into political shock on Friday, when anti-corruption investigators raided his Kyiv apartment — a dramatic turn that abruptly ended Yermak’s political career.Yermak and Zelensky: A Partnership Built Over a Decade
The relationship between Yermak and Zelensky dates back to 2011. At the time, Yermak was an intellectual property lawyer, while Zelensky worked as a TV producer and entertainer. Their worlds converged, forming a partnership that would later reshape Ukrainian politics.
Zelensky and the Corruption Crisis That Shook His Government
Their collaboration deepened during Zelensky’s stunning 2019 presidential campaign, where Yermak played a quiet yet crucial role. Once in office, Zelensky appointed him chief of staff, making Yermak one of the most influential figures in the Presidential Office. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022 and Kyiv braced for collapse, Yermak stood directly beside Zelensky during the now-iconic “we are still here” video message — a moment that rallied the nation and the world.
Over time, as Zelensky consolidated his authority to maintain wartime control, Yermak’s political stature only grew. Many analysts regarded him as the second most powerful person in Ukraine. Reports claimed he played a role in shaping foreign policy, orchestrating the removal of political rivals, and influencing decisions related to the battlefield. In a political environment driven by strong personalities, Zelensky’s administration held not just one but two formidable figures — and both cast long shadows across the nation.
Despite Yermak’s strong position within the Presidential Office, his popularity outside its walls plummeted. Ukraine’s political landscape has long been shaped by corruption scandals, and although Zelensky had previously succeeded in overcoming such crises, an explosive chain of events in July sent shockwaves through both the government and the public.
In that month, Zelensky persuaded parliament to strip Ukraine’s two major anti-corruption bodies of their independence, placing them under direct government control. His justification — preventing Russian meddling — failed to convince the public or European Union leaders. Mass protests erupted, forcing Zelensky into a rapid and highly public U-turn.
By autumn, those same bodies — the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) — released the findings of a lengthy investigation that implicated members of Zelensky’s inner circle. Senior officials, including two ministers, a former deputy prime minister, and even a past business partner of Zelensky, were accused of siphoning off $100 million from energy-sector projects.
The timing made the allegations especially explosive. Russia’s assaults on Ukraine’s power infrastructure have intensified, and as the country enters a fourth wartime winter, widespread outages have become a daily burden. Kyiv alone suffered an 11-hour Russian air raid on Friday night that plunged more than half a million people into darkness.
For ordinary Ukrainians, patience snapped. “We’re going through one of the most difficult times in our history,” Iryna, a Kyiv resident, told the BBC. “Unfortunately, lots of families will not see their loved ones because of the war.”
Although Andriy Yermak has not been named a suspect and denies any involvement in the corruption scheme, suspicion has lingered. Many questioned whether someone with his access and authority could truly have been unaware. Investigators are now reviewing the laptops and phones seized during their raid for clues.
Just days before the raid, Yermak had led high-stakes talks in Geneva with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where he reportedly secured concessions in a U.S.-drafted peace proposal that many feared skewed in Russia’s favor.
Now, with Yermak’s fall, Zelensky faces one of the most significant political crises of his presidency. The departure of his closest adviser leaves a vacuum at the heart of Kyiv’s leadership — and raises profound questions about how Ukraine will navigate both the war abroad and the turmoil at home.
Source- BBC
