"I am an honest and decent person. I do not want to cause trouble for Zelensky; I will go to the front lines," Andriy Yermak, former chief of staff to Ukraine's president, stated in a letter to the US-based NY Post on the evening of 28/11, just hours after submitting his resignation.

However, Yermak did not disclose when he would go to the front lines or if he would enlist.

"I feel disgusted by the vile actions against me and even more disgusted by the lack of support from those who know the truth. I have been insulted; my dignity was not protected, even though I have been in Kiev since 24/2/2022," he said, referring to when the conflict erupted.

Andriy Yermak at a press conference in Kiev, Ukraine, in August 2023. Photo: AFP

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on the evening of 28/11 that Chief of Staff Yermak had submitted his resignation and that the Office of the President of Ukraine would be reorganized. Zelensky emphasized his desire to avoid "rumors" and stated he would consult to identify a potential replacement for Yermak's position.

The National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) had previously announced they conducted a search of Yermak's private residence in connection with an undisclosed investigation.

Ukrainian media reported that Yermak was involved in a corruption scandal at the nuclear power generation corporation Energoatom. NABU stated it uncovered a "high-level criminal organization" specializing in receiving bribes from contractors with Energoatom contracts, amounting to USD 100 million.

Andriy Yermak, 54 years old, was a close friend of President Zelensky before the Ukrainian leader began his political career. He helped guide Zelensky's 2019 presidential campaign. Yermak was appointed chief of staff in 2020, becoming Zelensky's "right-hand man" and was considered a highly influential figure in the government.

Despite Yermak facing numerous calls for resignation, President Zelensky had previously always defended his close ally, even appointing him to lead a delegation for negotiations with the US in Switzerland on 23/11.

Before Yermak, Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko and Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk also resigned after being accused of involvement in corruption scandals.

Thanh Tam (According to NY Post, Kyiv Independent)