Andriy Yermak resigns after corruption scandal and pressure from officials

Andriy Yermak Resigns Amid Corruption Scandal and Pressure from Officials

In a significant political development in Ukraine, Andriy Yermak has resigned from his position as the head of the Office of the President. His resignation follows a three-week corruption scandal that has drawn considerable attention and scrutiny. The news was first reported by Ukrainska Pravda on December 1, 2025.

Key Details

Yermak"s resignation came after a series of events that began with the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) receiving authorization for searches on November 21, 2025. Following this authorization, detectives from NABU arrived at the government quarter on November 28, where they seized electronic devices belonging to Yermak. This action marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing investigation into corruption allegations surrounding his office.

On the same day that the NABU conducted its searches, a meeting took place at the President"s Office, attended by security officials and ministers. During this meeting, concerns were raised regarding Yermak"s influence on the government, with officials stating that his presence was "paralyzing the system." The consensus among the officials was that Yermak"s resignation was inevitable, indicating a significant loss of confidence in his ability to serve in his role effectively.

Reports indicate that there was a clandestine communication channel among government officials, where they coordinated efforts to facilitate Yermak"s removal from office. This secret chat underscores the extent of dissatisfaction with Yermak"s leadership and the urgency felt by other officials to address the situation.

When President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed that Yermak submit his resignation, Yermak reportedly reacted with anger. Eyewitness accounts suggest that he shouted at the president and directed accusations towards those around him. This emotional outburst only accelerated the decision-making process regarding his dismissal, leading Zelensky to finalize his choice to remove Yermak from his position.

In the week leading up to his resignation, Yermak had been vocal in demanding the dismissal of the head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), claiming that the SBU chief had failed to adequately protect him amid the unfolding scandal. This demand further illustrated the tensions within the government and Yermak"s precarious position.

As for potential successors to Yermak"s role, several names have emerged as candidates. These include Mykhailo Fedorov, Denys Shmyhal, Oleksandr Palitsa, and Dmytro Kyslytsya. Each of these individuals brings a unique set of experiences and qualifications that could influence the direction of the presidential office moving forward.

Background

Andriy Yermak has served as the head of the Office of the President since 2019, playing a crucial role in shaping Ukraine"s domestic and foreign policies. His tenure has been marked by significant challenges, including ongoing conflicts with Russia and internal political strife. The recent corruption allegations have cast a shadow over his leadership, prompting calls for accountability and reform within the Ukrainian government.

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What"s Next

The resignation of Yermak is likely to have far-reaching implications for Ukraine"s political landscape. As the government seeks to restore confidence among its citizens and international partners, the appointment of a new head of the Office of the President will be closely scrutinized. The new appointee will face the challenge of addressing the corruption issues that have plagued the administration while also navigating the complex geopolitical environment in which Ukraine operates.

As previously reported, the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, and the fallout from this scandal may lead to further political shifts in the coming weeks. Observers will be watching closely to see how President Zelensky and his administration respond to this crisis and what measures they will implement to ensure transparency and accountability in governance.

For more on related coverage, see our article on recent developments in political accountability.