kyiv announced a important shakeup of its presidential administration friday, as Ukraine continues to navigate complex negotiations with the United States regarding a potential peace framework amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. The move, which included the resignation of Andriy Yermak, head of the Presidential Office, comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks to project internal stability and reinforce focus on the country’s defense efforts. Zelenskyy has sought to preempt speculation regarding the personnel changes and their impact on ongoing talks, emphasizing the need for unity during this critical period.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a shakeup of his administration on Friday, November 28th, amid ongoing negotiations with the United States regarding a potential peace plan. The move comes as Kyiv seeks to maintain internal stability and focus on its defense against Russia’s invasion.
“I don’t want to hear any rumors or speculation while negotiations with the U.S. are underway regarding a peace plan,” Zelenskyy stated. He emphasized the need for Ukraine to demonstrate internal strength, adding, “There should be no reason to be distracted by anything other than the defense of Ukraine.”
“I want there to be no questions about Ukraine. That’s why we made these internal decisions today: the Office of the President of Ukraine will be reorganized,” Zelenskyy explained.
Andriy Yermak, the head of the Presidential Office, submitted his resignation. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Yermak’s consistent representation of Ukraine’s position during negotiations, describing it as “always patriotic.” He reiterated his desire to quell speculation, stating, “I want there to be no rumors or speculation.”
“And when we all have such an external challenge, a war, we must be strong internally… Soon there will be meetings with the American side,” Zelenskyy added. The announcement of personnel changes comes as Ukraine continues to seek sustained international support in its conflict with Russia.
Consultations with Potential Replacements Scheduled for Saturday
Zelenskyy announced he will hold consultations with potential candidates to replace Yermak on Saturday, November 29th.
He also stated that negotiations with the U.S. side regarding a peace plan will include the Chief of the General Staff, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, and intelligence officials.
AFP/ „Scanpix“/Volodymyras Zelenskis
Zelenskyy also expressed his expectation that the Cabinet of Ministers and Parliament will approve the 2026 budget, as well as candidates for the positions of Minister of Energy and Minister of Justice.
He directed a review of current ministers to determine if they are equipped to handle “the challenges of this winter and this war.” Zelenskyy also instructed the Security Service of Ukraine to analyze the situation within the law enforcement system and across the regions, citing “a lot of negative information from the regions.”
“Ukrainians must win. That is the most important thing. Russia really wants Ukraine to make mistakes. There will be no mistakes on our part. Our work continues. Our fight continues. We have no right to falter, no right to retreat or argue.
If we lose unity, we risk losing everything: ourselves, Ukraine, and our future. We must unite. We must persevere. We have no other choice. We will not have another Ukraine. Let’s defend Ukraine,” Zelenskyy concluded.
No Suspicions Raised
Earlier on Friday, November 28th, reports indicated that the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) conducted searches at Yermak’s office and home.
Christopher Miller, a journalist with the Financial Times, reported that the search of Yermak’s home is linked to the “Midas” case – a large-scale investigation into alleged corruption schemes in Ukraine’s energy sector.
Andrijus Jermakas / LUDOVIC MARIN / AFP
According to a source with the Interfax-Ukraine news agency, no charges were filed against Yermak following the searches.
Another unnamed source indicated that investigative actions are currently underway.
Daria Kaleniuk, Executive Director of the Anti-Corruption Action Centre, noted that “searches are usually carried out just before charges are brought against potential suspects.”
“Therefore, we can expect charges against Andriy Yermak today or very soon,” she told the Kyiv Independent.
Calls for Resignation
Yermak faced calls to resign following the emergence of the corruption scandal in November. Zelenskyy declined to dismiss Yermak despite the mounting pressure.
Experts told the Kyiv Independent that by sending Yermak as a negotiator, Zelenskyy appeared to be shielding him from investigators.
A lawmaker, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Kyiv Independent that Yermak “should have been fired a long time ago.”
AFP/Scanpix/Volodymyras Zelenskis
“Right now, all of this looks bad in the eyes of our European partners,” the source said. “It looks like the president is protecting his friends. Instead of getting ahead of the situation and distancing himself, he appointed him head of the negotiating delegation.”
The source also suggested that Ukraine’s political system “is now moving towards the worst-case scenario” and that Yermak’s resignation “could lead to the collapse of the entire power structure, as everything was held together by the head of the President’s Office.”
