Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak resigned from his position. He announced his decision on November 28 – the same day that anti-corruption services were conducting operations in his apartment and office.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Yermak’s departure in an evening address. He emphasized that his closest advisor “loyally and patriotically represented Ukraine in international forums” and played an important role in negotiations with Western partners.
Jermak himself has not yet commented on his decision.
Zelensky’s appeal for unity in times of trial
Zelensky appealed to society and politicians to avoid speculation and gossip. As he noted, Ukraine is facing key diplomatic and military talks and all personnel decisions must serve the state’s interests.
The president announced that he would November 29 Consultations will be held regarding the appointment of a new head of the President’s Office. The meetings will be attended by, among others:
– Commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces
– representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
– Secretary of the Security Council
– intelligence services
Zelensky stressed that “during the war everyone must act for the good of Ukraine.”
What’s Behind the Resignation – The Background of Operation Midas
The search at Jermak’s home is another element of a major investigation into corruption in the energy sector.
The investigators’ findings indicate that:
– a group of influential businessmen and officials were to collect commissions up to 15% contract values
– the suspects used secret “financial offices” in the center of Kyiv
– funds could have been transferred to accounts linked to people close to the Russian authorities
According to estimates, we are talking about up to $100 million illegal profits.
The names of former ministers and high-ranking state officials appear in the investigation.
Several people have already heard the charges, including:
– former directors of Energoatom
– ministerial advisors
– entrepreneurs associated with state contracts
Some of them left Ukraine just before the services began their operations.
The changing situation in the authorities
In November, the Minister of Energy and the Minister of Justice also lost their positions.
Ukraine announced reorganization of Energoatom and changes in the supervisory board.
The investigation is gaining momentum, and Jermak’s dismissal may be just the beginning. broader political reshuffle.
from the Author
Today, Ukraine is struggling with open aggression from Russia and at the same time it must demonstrate full transparency actions of state institutions – both towards their own society and international partners. The future of Yermak and the outcome of Operation Midas may have an impact not only on the domestic political scene, but also on the process of integration with the European Union and the level of support from the West.
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