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Zelensky’s Chief of Staff Resigns After Raid Amid Widening Anti‑Corruption Probe

05:50 AM, 11/29/2025
Zelensky’s Chief of Staff Resigns After Raid Amid Widening Anti‑Corruption Probe

Andriy Yermak, President Zelensky's chief of staff, resigned after anti‑corruption investigators searched his residence as part of the 15‑month Operation Midas probe into alleged kickbacks tied to Ukraine's energy sector. Zelensky framed the change as a "reboot" of the presidential office and praised Yermak's role in high‑level negotiations. Yermak says he is fully cooperating with investigators and has not been charged publicly. The inquiry has already removed several senior officials and could complicate implementation of a recent U.S.‑brokered peace agreement.

Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, submitted his resignation on Friday after anti‑corruption investigators searched his residence as part of a lengthy embezzlement probe that has shaken Kyiv’s leadership.

President Zelensky announced the move during his daily televised address, saying the change formed part of a broader "reboot" of the presidential office intended to avoid any doubts about Ukraine's governance at a sensitive diplomatic moment. He thanked Yermak for representing Ukraine in recent negotiations, including talks in Geneva with U.S. officials.

“I want no one to have any questions about Ukraine today. Therefore, today we have the following internal decisions... The head of the office, Andriy Yermak, has written a letter of resignation,” Zelensky said.

Yermak confirmed the raid on his home but has not been publicly charged. In a Telegram post he said he is "fully cooperating" with investigators, that authorities had unrestricted access to his apartment, and that his lawyers were present and liaising with law enforcement.

Operation Midas and political fallout

The resignation comes amid a 15‑month inquiry known as Operation Midas, run by Ukraine's main anti‑corruption agencies into an alleged kickback scheme tied to the country's energy infrastructure. The investigation has already led to the removal of several senior figures close to the president, including two ministers and a former business associate.

Although Yermak has not been formally charged, opposition MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak — who has provided information to investigators — has said Yermak is part of the probe and has called for his dismissal. Members of both the opposition and some within Zelensky's own party have indicated they could support a no‑confidence vote.

Implications for peace talks and governance

Analysts and officials warn the shakeup could complicate implementation of a recently announced U.S.‑brokered peace agreement with Russia, even as Zelensky stressed that "much work still lies ahead" to secure and implement any deal. Political instability at home may affect Ukraine's negotiating posture and its capacity to follow through on commitments.

The investigation and resulting resignations underscore growing domestic pressure on Zelensky's administration to address corruption while managing wartime diplomacy and reconstruction efforts. Investigations are ongoing and further developments are likely as authorities pursue leads tied to Operation Midas.

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