Zelensky’s New Chief Negotiator Faces Same Corruption Probe That Ousted Predecessor

Summary: Rustem Umerov — President Volodymyr Zelensky’s newly appointed chief negotiator — has been drawn into the same anti-corruption investigation that contributed to the resignation of Andriy Yermak. Umerov led a last-minute Ukrainian delegation to high-level talks in Florida as critics warned the choice reflected political loyalty over diplomatic experience.

Umerov steps in amid corruption probe

Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council and a former defence minister, was rushed into the role of Kyiv’s lead negotiator at short notice and led talks in Florida over the weekend. According to reports, the U.S. side included Senator Marco Rubio and developer Steve Witkoff; some reports also referenced Jared Kushner’s involvement.

Umerov has reportedly been questioned by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and was asked to testify in an investigation linked to alleged corruption in the energy sector that has been connected to a broader £76 million probe. He has also been accused in media reports of failing to declare ownership of several U.S. properties, an allegation he denies.

Political backlash and concerns

The appointment came days after Andriy Yermak resigned following a raid on his home in relation to the same sweep. Critics — including Bohdan Nahaylo, editor-in-chief of a Ukrainian publication, and lawmaker Volodymyr Ariev — argued that Zelensky’s decision risks prioritising personal loyalty over seasoned diplomatic expertise at a moment when Ukraine faces complex negotiations and ongoing military pressure.

“Ukraine needs officials who are not loyal to the president but professional and oriented to defend Ukraine’s interests,” said one opposition politician.

Commentators warned that sidelining career diplomats in favor of political confidants could undermine Ukraine’s bargaining position. Supporters of the appointment pointed to Umerov’s security credentials and said he brings relevant experience for high-stakes talks.

What happened in Florida and what comes next

After the Florida meetings, which participants described as “productive,” Senator Rubio said more work remained and noted that further discussions would continue when U.S. representatives travel to Moscow later in the week. Umerov stressed Ukraine’s priorities in public remarks: security, preventing further aggression, post-war reconstruction and prosperity.

The Florida meetings kick off a busy diplomatic week. President Zelensky is scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, and U.S. envoys are expected to hold direct talks in Moscow as part of broader efforts to advance a ceasefire framework.

Security situation remains dire

Hostilities continued over the weekend. Ukrainian officials reported at least six people killed and dozens wounded in Russian strikes across the country. In Kyiv, a drone strike on the outskirts of the capital reportedly killed one person and injured 11.

At sea, Ukrainian forces said they struck two vessels — identified in domestic media reports as the Kairos and the Virat — which were alleged to be part of a fleet used to move Russian oil around sanctions. Ukrainian sources attributed the hits to Sea Baby drones. Separately, there were unconfirmed reports of a Panama-flagged vessel believed to be carrying Russian oil being sunk off the coast of Senegal.

The contested peace plan

Diplomacy this week is expected to focus in part on a controversial 28-point ceasefire proposal that has been linked in reports to Steve Witkoff and Kirill Dmitriev. The initial, leaked draft sparked international alarm because it reportedly demanded significant concessions from Kyiv, including territorial compromises and limits on military capacity. European leaders convened talks to press for removal of clauses viewed as favouring Russia, and subsequent revisions have been reported.

Some media reports have suggested the revised proposal may still include elements such as formal recognition of territory seized by Russia — a point that Kyiv has repeatedly rejected as unacceptable. Ukrainian officials and Western partners continue to stress that any durable settlement must protect Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.

Appointments and domestic signals

President Zelensky also announced a new senior appointment: Oksana Markarova, his former ambassador to the United States, will serve as an adviser on reconstruction and investment. The move is presented as part of Kyiv’s effort to prepare for post-war rebuilding and to strengthen ties with international investors.

As diplomacy moves forward, Ukrainian leaders face the dual challenge of negotiating under intense international scrutiny while managing domestic political fallout from corruption probes and leadership changes.