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In a significant shake-up, Andriy Yermak, a top aide to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and key peace negotiator, has stepped down following a raid on his home by anti-corruption bodies. His resignation comes as Kyiv enters critical negotiations with the US to establish a peace agreement with Russia. President Zelensky announced the change, suggesting a revamp of his office amidst these developments.

 

Yermak, the chief of staff to President Zelensky, played a pivotal role in recent diplomatic talks with Washington. His departure complicates Kyiv's stance ahead of more negotiations. Although Yermak has yet to make a public statement, he confirmed his cooperation with law enforcement during the operations at his residence.

 

The anti-corruption agencies involved, NABU and SAPO, have confirmed their participation in the search, although they did not disclose specific reasons. This follows a broad investigation into corruption schemes related to Ukraine's energy sector. The timing is tricky for Zelensky, as Yermak was deeply involved in peace discussions set to continue soon.

 

Zelensky has committed to consulting potential replacements for Yermak's position as discussions with the US loom. The upcoming negotiations will see Ukraine's key security and foreign affairs figures, but Yermak's absence leaves uncertainty about leadership in these talks. Russia's response has been cautious, noting the rising political uncertainty in Ukraine.

 

Yermak's team negotiated revisions to a US-proposed 28-point peace plan that faced opposition for being overly favourable to Russia. Although US and Russian discussions continue, Russian President Vladimir Putin remains firm on his demands, dimming hopes for a quick resolution.

 

Ukraine's battle with corruption, a long-standing issue impeding its EU aspirations, adds another layer of complexity. Zelensky, who campaigned on an anti-corruption platform, has made efforts to tackle the issue, earning international recognition. However, recent decisions, like fast-tracking a controversial law affecting anti-corruption agency oversight, have stirred public discontent and led to protests.

 

The focus now shifts to Ukraine's commitment to transparency as it handles high-level corruption investigations and navigates delicate international negotiations. Amidst these challenges, Zelensky is under pressure to maintain integrity and stability within his administration, reported CNN.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Andriy Yermak, Ukraine's negotiation chief, resigns post-raid.
• Resignation complicates Ukraine-US talks amid corruption saga.
• Zelensky faces dual pressure of corruption control and peace talks.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-11-29

 

 

 

 

Ukrainian capitulation in the coming weeks may be expected….thanks to Mr. Trump

I frankly admit that I have underestimated Trump’s capacity for duplicity that he has used to outmaneuver his opponents abroad in the EU, in Ukraine and at home in the USA, on Capitol Hill and in the media.

I have no doubt that Team Trump are behind the corruption investigation raid on the home of the power behind the throne in Kiev, Andrii Yermak, who was forced to resign late today.  The fall of Zelensky on corruption charges cannot be more than days away.

Accordingly, I must revise my views on what happened at the US-Ukraine meeting in Geneva at the start of the week that produced a revised 19-point plan to suit the Zelensky gang which we were told would be foisted on the Russians. No, that was pure political theater and we may assume that the original 29- point plan developed jointly by Steve Witkoff for the American side and Kirill Dmitriev for the Russians will be the basis for the renewed US-Russian talks on ending the war that likely will take place next week in Budapest chaired by Trump and Putin.

This is all happening with blinding speed that has left the Trump’s opponents speechless.

However, one European leader did have something to say in the past day that also contributes to the foreseeable political collapse of Ukraine and possibly to the collapse of the war mongers who dominate present European politics.  I have in mind the Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever who rejected von der Leyen’s insistent promotion of confiscation of frozen Russian state assets held in Euroclear now not only because of financial risk that the confiscation will be reversed in court challenges by Russia that will follow but, more importantly today, because the confiscation would work directly against the ongoing peace negotiations.   So von der Leyen’s perfidy to European interests in peace on the Continent has been called out.

©Gilbert Doctorow, 2025