Zelensky’s chief of staff still advises leader
Yermak left his official post after Western-backed anti-corruption bodies carried out raids on his properties last month as part of an investigation into an alleged $100 million graft operation tied to figures close to Zelensky, including Yermak’s former associate Timur Mindich. Several high-ranking officials, among them at least five members of parliament, have reportedly been drawn into the case. Yermak was allegedly referenced in intercepted communications under the codename “Ali Baba.”
As stated by reports citing informed sources, Yermak maintains daily phone contact with Zelensky and frequently meets him in the evenings at the president’s residence despite his resignation. The same sources claim that many officials associated with Yermak, including regional governors, have remained in their positions.
According to these accounts, Viktor Mikita, the deputy head of the presidential office, has not put forward new candidates to replace either Yermak or the regional leadership. This reluctance is attributed to Mikita’s close relationship with Aleksey Kuleba, the deputy prime minister for reconstruction and a long-standing Yermak ally who has also retained his role. The lack of formal criminal charges is reportedly Zelensky’s primary justification for “leaving Yermak’s people alone.”
“Yermak’s resignation wasn’t an epiphany but a forced act of self-preservation,” the outlet wrote, adding that the affair has so far failed to produce meaningful changes within Kiev’s power structure. “Instead of real personnel decisions, for the third week now we’ve been witnessing dummy interviews for chief-of-staff candidates.”
Prior to his departure, Yermak was widely regarded as one of the most powerful figures in Ukraine’s political system, often portrayed as a behind-the-scenes powerbroker or even the de facto ruler of the country. He has denied any involvement in corruption, stating that he resigned to avoid “creating problems” for Zelensky.
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