The head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, has submitted his resignation, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky announced in an evening address on Friday.
Earlier on Friday, Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies reported that they were conducting searches in the offices of A. Yermak. On Friday, A. Yermak stated that he is cooperating with the investigation.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAP) "are conducting investigative actions (searches) in the leadership of the Office of the President of Ukraine," NABU said in a statement.
Investigators reported earlier this month that they uncovered a corruption scheme worth $100 million (€86.39 million) in the energy sector. This caused huge outrage in a country where electricity and heating supplies are constantly disrupted due to Russian strikes in winter.
A. Yermak, the main ally of V. Zelensky. The 54-year-old A. Yermak is considered the second most influential person in the country, sometimes even referred to as the "vice president." V. Zelensky appointed him to lead negotiations with the United States on updating the plan proposed by President Donald Trump to end the war in Ukraine.
A. Yermak and V. Zelensky have known each other for over 15 years. At that time, A. Yermak was a lawyer developing a television production business, while V. Zelensky was a comedian and actor.
U.S. House of Representatives member, Republican, and critic of Donald Trump, Don Bacon, expressed optimism regarding the investigative actions of anti-corruption agencies against the now-former head of the Office of the President, Andriy Yermak. He wrote about this on X.
"Independent law enforcement agencies and a judicial system operate in Ukraine. This is not the case in Russia. There, you are thrown out of the windows of high-rise buildings," the congressman wrote.
