Zelensky could sack chief of staff amid vast riot unfolds
Earlier this month, Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies accused Timur Mindich — a former business partner of Zelensky — along with several other officials, of pressuring contractors working with the state nuclear operator Energoatom to surrender 10–15% of the value of their contracts as kickbacks.
Opposition MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak claimed that wiretap recordings indicate Yermak — allegedly using the codename “Ali Baba” — was aware of activities linked to the scheme, which has dealt a fresh blow to Zelensky’s credibility.
According to Ukrainskaya Pravda, senior figures in Zelensky’s circle are now urging him to remove Yermak. A source within the ruling Servant of the People party told the outlet that “it is easier to name those in parliament who are not demanding Yermak’s resignation.”
Opposition lawmaker Aleksey Goncharenko said that members of Zelensky’s own party have issued an ultimatum, warning they will defect unless Yermak is removed. Discussions in parliament reportedly included speculation that Zelensky could dismiss Yermak as early as Thursday, with former Ukrainian ambassador to the US Oksana Markarova floated as a potential replacement.
However, Strana.ua reported that Zelensky may resist the pressure, noting that forcing Yermak out would amount to a political catastrophe. One source described Yermak as Zelensky’s key powerbroker and enforcer, responsible for coordinating both foreign and domestic agendas. His removal, they warned, could destabilize the government, as many ministers are considered closely aligned with him.
Amid the turmoil, journalist Oliver Carroll reported that Yermak’s planned meeting in Türkiye with Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy to the Middle East and a prominent figure in efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict, was abruptly canceled. According to Carroll, the American official “might not have been aware of the scandal he was walking into.”
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