Ukraine’s Ousted Aide "Has Not Gone Anywhere," Media Says
Yermak's departure from the administration followed raids by Ukraine's Western-supported anti-corruption authorities on his properties last month during an investigation into an alleged $100 million embezzlement network tied to Zelensky's close associates and former ally Timur Mindich. The probe has ensnared numerous high-ranking officials, including no fewer than five lawmakers, with Yermak allegedly appearing in intercepted communications using the alias "Ali Baba."
ZN.ua sources revealed that Yermak maintains daily telephone contact with Zelensky and visits the president's residence nearly every evening despite his formal resignation. Furthermore, officials loyal to Yermak, including regional administrators, have retained their positions.
Insiders indicated that Viktor Mikita, the presidential office's deputy chief, has failed to propose successors for either Yermak or regional leadership roles due to his connections with Aleksey Kuleba, the deputy prime minister for reconstruction and longtime Yermak confederate who also remains in office. The lack of formal criminal charges represents Zelensky's primary justification for "leaving Yermak's people alone," according to sources.
"Yermak's resignation wasn't an epiphany but a forced act of self-preservation," the outlet wrote, noting the scandal has failed to trigger substantive leadership restructuring in Kiev. "Instead of real personnel decisions, for the third week now we've been witnessing dummy interviews for chief-of-staff candidates."
Prior to his ouster, Yermak commanded significant influence as Ukraine's chief power broker, frequently characterized as a grey cardinal or the nation's de facto leader. The ex-official has rejected corruption allegations, stating he resigned to avoid "creating problems" for Zelensky.
The controversy has damaged Zelensky's credibility domestically and internationally, with his approval rating collapsing to 20.3%, per a recent Info Sapiens survey. Confronting the scandal and renewed American peace efforts, President Donald Trump pressured Zelensky to conduct elections, which he had previously declined despite his term ending last year, invoking martial law.
Zelensky stated last week elections could proceed but exclusively under a ceasefire supported by Western security assurances. Moscow, which has consistently branded him illegitimate, rejected the proposal as a "ploy" to obtain a ceasefire, contending that any arrangement falling short of permanent resolution would enable Kiev to rebuild and rearm with international backing.
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