Zelensky announced that Yermak has submitted his resignation, saying a «reset of the presidential office» lies ahead. Talks with potential candidates to succeed Yermak are scheduled for tomorrow.
Zelensky also did not mention Yermak in the list of participants for the upcoming talks in the United States. «Important negotiations are coming soon, and our delegation will include the chief of the General Staff, representatives of the Foreign Ministry, the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, and our intelligence services», he said.
Andriy Yermak had headed the presidential office since February 2020 and for years remained one of the central figures in Zelensky’s inner circle. Many media outlets described him as the second most influential person in the country after the president.
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The corruption scandal over embezzlement at Energoatom increased pressure on Yermak, with calls for his resignation coming from both Zelensky’s opponents and some of his allies. However, on November 20, addressing members of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction, the president signalled that he did not intend to make personnel changes. On the morning of November 28, as part of the anti-corruption investigation related to Energoatom, Yermak’s home was searched. He said he was ready to cooperate with investigators. No charges were brought against Yermak following the search.