Photo: Volodymyr Zelensky / Telegram
Yermak commented on his resignation and his friendship with Zelensky. He noted that several complex points of the peace plan still need to be agreed upon during negotiations with the Americans.
According to The Economist, when Yermak learned that the president had decided to dismiss him as head of the Office of the President, he was reportedly distraught. In an interview with Financial Times, Yermak confirmed that he was scheduled to fly to the U.S. for negotiations with the Kyiv delegation and emphasized that he was responsible for drafting the first 28-point version of the U.S. “peace” plan.
“Under my leadership, delegations in Geneva, together with our American partners, managed to ensure that the 28-point document no longer exists,” he said, adding that “a few complex points” still remain to be resolved by the Kyiv delegates. He also stressed, “The president, despite any pressure, will not sign or approve anything that contradicts Ukraine’s interests.”
Yermak also spoke about his personal relationship with Zelensky: “He was my friend before this job, and I will consider him my friend after it,” he said.
Meanwhile political editor Inna Vedernikova reported in her article “The System Fell. What’s Next?” that Zelensky and Yermak parted on very bad terms, with witnesses citing scandal, reproaches, and insults.
It’s worth noting that, according to deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak, Yermak appears on NABU tapes related to the “Mindichgate” scandal under the pseudonym “Ali Baba,” attending meetings connected to a corruption scheme at Energoatom and giving instructions on pressuring NABU and SAP. Yermak, however, has claimed that the scandal was provoked by oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky, who has been in SBU detention for the past three years.
On November 28, NABU and SAP conducted searches at Yermak’s residence. A few hours later, he resigned. He later stated that he had been dishonored, claimed he was heading to the front line (without details), and warned that he would not be in contact. Meanwhile, ZN.UA reports that Yermak is being prepared for suspicion related to his interest in a house in the “Dynasty” cooperative, and that President Zelensky is aware of this.
