Zelensky Faces Political Test After Yermak’s Sudden Resignation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is confronting a significant political challenge following the resignation of his chief adviser, Andriy Yermak, amid a high-profile corruption investigation. Yermak stepped down on March 15, 2024, after anti-corruption officers conducted a raid on his residence, marking a pivotal moment for Zelensky’s administration as Ukraine grapples with ongoing diplomatic pressures.

Yermak’s departure is especially critical as the country faces mounting scrutiny from Western allies, particularly the United States, to finalize a peace agreement perceived to favor Russia. Just days before his resignation, Yermak led a Ukrainian delegation in Geneva to discuss strategic plans with a U.S. team headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Zelensky expressed gratitude for Yermak’s role in negotiations, emphasizing his patriotic commitment to representing Ukraine’s interests.

The political landscape in Ukraine appears to be shifting, with many citizens viewing Yermak’s resignation positively. Nataliya Gumenyuk, a member of the board of the independent media organization Hromadske, noted that Yermak had become a polarizing figure, embodying public dissatisfaction with the administration. In recent years, corruption allegations, conflicts with former military leaders, and controversial mobilization policies have threatened Zelensky’s popularity.

Despite declining approval ratings from previous highs in 2022, Zelensky’s support has remained relatively stable in recent months. Olga Rudenko, a journalist with the Kyiv Independent, framed Yermak’s resignation as a testament to Ukraine’s democratic resilience. She stated, “A young democracy like Ukraine has independent institutions that are strong enough to investigate the most powerful man in the country – and to do so during the war.”

The implications of Yermak’s exit raise questions about the potential impact on Zelensky’s leadership. While Gumenyuk believes the president can frame this development as a necessary reset, some former officials argue it may lead to increased scrutiny of Zelensky himself. Critics are likely to question the extent of the president’s awareness regarding Yermak’s actions, especially given their close personal and professional ties.

Yermak’s considerable influence in Zelensky’s government has drawn mixed reactions. Described as a “shadow prime minister” by Orysia Lutsevych of Chatham House, Yermak wielded significant power in shaping policy. His loyalty to Zelensky was evident, as the president previously remarked, “I respect him for his results. He does what I tell him.”

The challenge of finding a suitable replacement for Yermak adds to Zelensky’s difficulties, particularly as the war in Ukraine continues and diplomatic negotiations intensify. Yermak had been expected to lead further discussions with the U.S. administration, leaving uncertainty about who will step into that critical role.

Internationally, Yermak’s involvement in corruption allegations has diminished his standing, particularly in the United States, where any hint of misappropriation poses a substantial obstacle to support for Ukraine. A European diplomat in Kyiv remarked that Zelensky “had little choice but to fire Yermak in view of the damaging headlines carried by global media.”

In the wake of Yermak’s resignation, the Kremlin has attempted to exploit the turmoil for its advantage. Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Kremlin, commented on the escalating political uncertainty, stating, “One can hardly now make a prognosis on what is going to happen next.”

As international allies assess the situation, Donald Tusk, Poland’s prime minister and a prominent supporter of Ukraine, expressed concern over the timing of Yermak’s dismissal, coinciding with Viktor Orban‘s visit to Moscow. He labeled the situation a “fatal combination” amid ongoing negotiations with the United States.

Zelensky now faces a critical juncture in his presidency, with the need to manage both domestic challenges and international expectations. As uncertainty looms in Kyiv, the repercussions of this political upheaval will likely resonate well beyond Ukraine’s borders.