Former Head of the Presidential Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak was officially dismissed from his position on 28 November 2025. His resignation became part of another wave of major personnel changes occurring against the backdrop of a corruption scandal, searches, and growing criticism from political forces and society.
This article provides clear facts, official quotations, context, and possible implications for state negotiations and the stability of power amid the current crisis.
What Happened
On the morning of 28 November 2025, it became known that law-enforcement agencies — NABU and SAPO — were conducting searches at Yermak’s residence. According to journalists, around ten NABU and SAPO officers entered the government quarter. Yermak confirmed that the searches were taking place at his home, stated that he was ready to cooperate with investigators, and noted that he had not been formally served with suspicion as of that morning.
That same evening, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he had accepted Yermak’s resignation and signed the decree dismissing him from the position of Head of the Presidential Office.
In his address, Zelensky said:
“I am grateful to Andriy for ensuring that Ukraine’s position in negotiations was always represented as it should be. It was always a patriotic position. But I want there to be no rumors or speculation.”
Meanwhile, members of the parliamentary majority — particularly the Servant of the People faction — supported the decision.
The next step was an announcement of a “reset” of the Presidential Office and a possible search for a new head.
Consequences and Reactions
Political Position and Negotiations
Yermak’s dismissal took place on the eve of planned negotiations with the United States — just one day before he was expected to travel to discuss the so-called “peace plan.” This raised questions about the further progress of the talks, where trust in Ukraine’s representatives is crucial.
After the resignation, Yermak stated that he held no resentment toward Zelensky:
“He was my friend before this job, and I will consider him a friend after it.”
He also expressed confidence that revising the version of the peace plan, which his delegation had negotiated in Geneva, was one of the key achievements.
Domestic Political Impact
The Servant of the People faction immediately supported Zelensky’s decision. As the party’s representative explained: “It is important to us that no one has any doubts about Ukraine.”
At the same time, the dismissal amid NABU and SAPO investigations sends a strong signal about the government’s intention to clean up its political environment. This may help restore public trust in institutions and strengthen relations with international partners.
Yermak’s Further Plans
After the dismissal, Yermak announced that he intends to go to the front. According to his statement:
“I am an honest and decent person… I was disgraced, and my dignity was not defended… I do not want to create problems for Zelensky — I am going to the front.”
However, he did not specify which unit he plans to join or when he intended to depart for the combat zone.
What This Means for the State
- Yermak’s resignation may become a symbol of the government’s determination to fight corruption even at the highest levels — an important signal both to society and to Western partners.
- However, a leadership vacuum at the top of the Presidential Office at a time when Ukraine is preparing for critical international negotiations may complicate diplomatic efforts and raise concerns about trust in Ukraine’s representatives.
- The reset of the Office creates an opportunity for a “transparent restart,” but everything depends on who will be appointed as the new head and how effective the new team will be.
The dismissal of Andriy Yermak is an event that matters not only for domestic politics but also for international negotiations and Ukraine’s global image. It demonstrates a willingness to clean up the government, but it also opens new challenges — both personnel and strategic. Now, much depends on who replaces Yermak and whether Ukraine will be able to maintain stability, trust, and continuity in its international negotiations.
