At an anti-corruption rally on Independence Square in Kyiv, where protesters called for Andriy Yermak's resignation, November 22, 2025. SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP
The fall was swift, coming amid high-stakes talks over Ukraine’s future nearly four years after Russia's full-scale invasion. Andriy Yermak resigned on Friday, November 28, as head of Ukraine's presidential administration after investigators raided his home in connection with a corruption scandal in the energy sector – a crisis that has shaken the Zelensky administration like never before.
As recently as Sunday, November 23, the close confidant of the president – well known for his imposing presence – was still leading the delegation sent by President Volodymyr Zelensky to Geneva to amend the Trump plan, the first version of which seemed to have been dictated by Kremlin envoys. Alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Yermak welcomed the "good progress" made after hours of discussion, with the support of European representatives. The revised proposal gave greater consideration to the security interests of Kyiv and European capitals.
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Historian Françoise Thom: "Clearly the Ukraine 'peace plan' was drafted at the Kremlin"
