New York Times: Yermak Leaves to Keep Zelensky Government Intact
According to the English section of webangah News Agency,citing Mehr News Agency,the American newspaper The New York Times reported that the resignation of Andriy Yermak,chief of staff to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky,may have been aimed at preventing a vote of no confidence against the government in Ukraine’s parliament.
The New York Times, quoting informed sources, stated that Yermak was likely “willing to make himself a sacrificial pawn” to stop the approval of a no-confidence motion. However, it remains unclear if this move will be enough to contain the ongoing political crisis because if such a vote passes, Zelensky’s entire cabinet would be forced to resign.
The report added that none of the influential leaders from Ukrainian parties have yet called for Zelensky’s resignation since elections cannot be held under martial law conditions.
On November 10, Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau and Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office-independent from Zelensky’s governance-launched investigations into a large-scale corruption network in the energy sector known as ”Operation Midas.” Inspections were conducted at Energoatom and at homes linked to businessman Timur Mindich and then-Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko. Preliminary findings revealed approximately $100 million had been laundered through this network.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau also released recorded conversations from Mindich’s apartment exposing discussions related to corruption.On November 17,reports emerged suggesting that Andriy Yermak might be involved under the codename “Alibaba.”
This disclosure triggered a deep political crisis in Ukraine. Parliament was suspended for several days while some lawmakers-including members from Zelensky’s Servant of the People party-called for Yermak’s dismissal. On November 28, anti-corruption agencies reportedly searched Yermak’s home and office; he personally confirmed these inspections. Hours later, Zelensky announced that Yermak had officially submitted his resignation letter.
