Zelensky’s Chief of Staff Yermak Resigns Amid Energoatom Corruption Probe

On November 28, 2023, investigators from Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) raided the office of Andriy Borisovich Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, and his private apartment on Bankova Street in Kyiv. The searches, conducted alongside the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, marked a seismic moment in Ukraine’s war-era politics — not because of the raid itself, but because of who was targeted. Yermak, 51, had been Zelenskyy’s most trusted aide since December 2019, effectively running the presidency behind the scenes. Now, he was at the center of Ukraine’s biggest corruption case since Zelenskyy took office: the Energoatom scandal.

The Energoatom Scandal: A Power Plant, a Pyramid Scheme

The investigation centers on Energoatom, Ukraine’s state-owned nuclear utility that operates all four of the country’s nuclear power plants — including the Zaporizhzhia plant, seized by Russian forces in March 2022. Investigators allege a multi-year scheme involving inflated contracts, shell companies, and kickbacks worth tens of millions of dollars. Eight people have already been formally charged, including Timur Mindich, a Ukrainian businessman described by NABU as a "close associate of the president." But whispers inside law enforcement pointed higher. One source told the Kyiv Independent that investigators had quietly nicknamed Yermak "Ali Baba," referencing the legendary tale of hidden treasure — a coded reference, they said, to luxury properties allegedly acquired through illicit means.

"Full Cooperation" — But Charges Coming Soon

Yermak didn’t resist. In a Telegram post during the raids, he wrote: "Today, the NABU and SAPO are indeed carrying out procedural actions at my home. The investigators are facing no obstacles. They have been given full access to the apartment, and my lawyers are present on site and are cooperating with law enforcement. I am providing full cooperation on my part." His tone was calm, even defiant — but the timing told another story. Hours after the searches began, a law enforcement insider confirmed to the Kyiv Independent that formal charges against Yermak were being drafted, specifically tied to luxury real estate transactions. "Expect charges very soon," the source said. The fact that Yermak was still technically in office during the raids — and that NABU didn’t wait until after his resignation — suggests prosecutors were moving deliberately, building a case that could withstand political pressure.

Resignation: A Strategic Retreat or Forced Exit?

Within hours of the searches, President Zelenskyy announced Yermak’s resignation. The statement was brief: "Andriy Yermak has submitted his resignation. I accept it." No explanation. No praise. No farewell. That silence spoke volumes. Yermak had been more than a chief of staff; he was Zelenskyy’s fixer, negotiator, and gatekeeper. He’d managed everything from wartime diplomacy to media spin. His influence stretched into the judiciary, defense procurement, and even cultural projects. His fall wasn’t just a personnel change — it was a fracture in the inner circle.

Some saw resignation as a tactical move — a way to protect Zelenskyy’s image before charges were filed. Others believed Yermak was pushed out. Either way, the message was clear: even the most powerful figures in Ukraine are not above the law. Or at least, not above the law when the public — and Western donors — are watching.

Why This Matters Beyond Kyiv

Ukraine’s survival depends on foreign aid. The U.S., EU, and IMF have tied billions in funding to anti-corruption reforms. The Energoatom case isn’t just about stolen money — it’s about trust. If the president’s closest ally is implicated in looting a critical energy monopoly during wartime, how can Kyiv convince donors it’s serious about reform? The EU’s 2023 financial package included a €50 billion aid package contingent on judicial independence and corruption crackdowns. The IMF’s $15.6 billion standby arrangement requires proof that top officials are being held accountable.

This case also exposes the tension between wartime urgency and institutional integrity. In 2022, Zelenskyy suspended dozens of corruption investigations to focus on defense. But by late 2023, the tide had turned. With Russian advances stalled and Western fatigue growing, Kyiv needed to prove it could govern as well as it could fight. The raid on Yermak’s apartment wasn’t just a legal action — it was a political signal. To Brussels. To Washington. To Ukrainians who’ve watched their country bleed for two years.

What Comes Next?

Yermak’s successor, Denys Shmyhal, the former prime minister, was named interim chief of staff. But the real question isn’t who replaces Yermak — it’s whether NABU will follow through. Will charges be filed? Will Mindich’s network be dismantled? Will documents from Yermak’s apartment lead to higher-level figures? The investigation is still active, and sources say prosecutors are reviewing encrypted communications and offshore property records. One thing is certain: if charges are dropped or delayed, Ukraine’s credibility with its allies will suffer a blow harder to recover from than any battlefield loss.

Background: The Rise and Fall of a Political Insider

Before he was chief of staff, Yermak was a film producer and lawyer. He co-founded a media company that produced pro-Zelenskyy content during the 2019 election. His rise was meteoric — and controversial. Critics accused him of using his position to benefit allies in the entertainment and energy sectors. He never held elected office, yet he controlled access to Zelenskyy. That made him both indispensable and vulnerable. His resignation leaves a power vacuum. And in wartime Ukraine, vacuums are filled fast — by allies, rivals, or foreign actors.