Andriy Yermak: The Fall of Ukraine's Wartime Diplomatic Powerhouse and Its Implications

Andriy Yermak, functioning as chief of staff, was central to Ukraine's wartime strategic decisions and policy implementation.

On Friday, Andriy Yermak, one of President Volodymyr Zelensky's most trusted advisors and a key diplomat during Ukraine's war efforts, was dismissed from his position following anti-corruption officials searching his residence.

Throughout Russia's full-scale invasion, Yermak served as the Ukrainian president's chief of staff. His responsibilities included coordinating international relations, welcoming foreign dignitaries in Kyiv, and joining the president on global missions to secure military and diplomatic support.

This leadership change comes amid increasing American pressure for a peace settlement that many Ukrainians perceive as favoring Russia. Just days prior, Yermak led Ukraine's delegation in discussions with a US team headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Geneva, addressing Washington's latest proposal.

Born in Kyiv, Yermak pursued international private law studies at Taras Shevchenko National University before establishing his own legal practice in 1997. His political career began when he served as legal counsel to Party of Regions MP and former Olympic wrestler Elbrus Tedeyev.

While developing his legal career, Yermak simultaneously built a presence in media. He created Garnet Media Group to produce Ukrainian films and television content, later expanding to form Garnet International Media Group in 2012. His contributions to filmmaking earned him membership in both Ukrainian and European film academies.

His first encounter with Volodymyr Zelensky occurred in 2011 when the future Ukrainian President was working as a general producer at TV channel Inter. Their professional connection strengthened over time, eventually leading Yermak to join Zelensky's presidential campaign in 2019.

Following Zelensky's electoral victory, Yermak was appointed presidential aide focusing on foreign policy. His responsibilities included managing prisoner exchange negotiations with Russia and overseeing Ukraine's diplomatic communications with the United States.

In February 2020, Yermak was promoted to head the Office of the President, and the next day joined the National Security and Defence Council. His work primarily addressed Ukraine's conflict with Russia, and by 2022, he also assumed leadership of the Coordination Headquarters for Humanitarian and Social Affairs.

Frequently seen wearing military-styled clothing similar to Zelensky, Yermak reportedly acquired the nickname "green cardinal." With time, he came to be regarded as essentially a co-president, the most influential non-elected official in Ukraine.

Andriy Yermak's resignation represents a significant disruption in Kyiv's wartime political landscape. "I didn't believe it was possible that he would ever go," a former senior official told Politico, adding they preferred not to be seen "dancing on Yermak's grave."

His exit leaves the president without his key enforcer as Ukraine enters crucial negotiations regarding US leader Donald Trump's controversial peace proposal and faces intensified Russian military pressure on the Donbas front. Former Deputy Prime Minister Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze emphasized that current circumstances require a return to constitutional governance, stating, "Parliament has to regain its agency."

Yermak suggested a dramatic next chapter, informing The New York Post of his intention to join combat against Russia. "I'm going to the front. I am an honest and decent person," he declared.

Opposition lawmaker Lesia Vasylenko interpreted the resignation as evidence that "there's zero tolerance for corruption and the president listens to the concerns of the people," while former journalist and critic Iuliia Mendel described it as "a desperate reaction to unbearable pressure," cautioning that Yermak might continue operating as a "shadow puppeteer."