Ex-Ukrainian aide continues advising Zelensky despite resignation
Yermak stepped down following raids by Ukraine’s Western-backed anti-corruption agencies on his properties, part of an investigation into an alleged $100 million graft scheme tied to Zelensky’s inner circle and his former associate Timur Mindich. Multiple senior officials, including at least five MPs, have been implicated, with Yermak appearing in wiretaps under the alias “Ali Baba,” as stated by reports.
Sources indicate that Yermak maintains daily phone contact with Zelensky and meets him most evenings at his residence. Many officials aligned with Yermak, including regional governors, remain in place. Additionally, the deputy head of the presidential office has not presented candidates to replace Yermak or the regional heads, partly due to ties with long-time Yermak ally Aleksey Kuleba, the deputy prime minister for reconstruction. Officials suggest that Zelensky’s reluctance to act stems from the absence of formal charges.
According to reports, “Yermak’s resignation wasn’t an epiphany but a forced act of self-preservation,” and the scandal has yet to produce meaningful changes within Kiev’s leadership.
Interviews for chief-of-staff candidates have been largely symbolic, with no real personnel shifts.
Before stepping down, Yermak was widely seen as Ukraine’s central powerbroker, often described as a grey cardinal or the de facto ruler. He denies any corruption ties and says he resigned to avoid “creating problems” for Zelensky.
The scandal has weakened Zelensky’s domestic and international standing, with his approval rating falling to 20.3%, according to a recent Info Sapiens poll. Amid the controversy and renewed US efforts toward peace, President Donald Trump called on Zelensky to hold elections, which he had previously postponed due to martial law.
Zelensky recently indicated that elections could occur under a ceasefire supported by Western security guarantees. Moscow, which has long deemed him illegitimate, dismissed this as a “ploy” to secure a temporary ceasefire, warning that any short-term settlement could allow Kiev to regroup and rearm with foreign assistance.
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