KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Friday that his chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, has resigned following a series of anti-corruption investigations. Earlier that day, investigators searched Yermak's residence as part of a broader crackdown on corruption within the government.

Yermak, who has played a crucial role in peace negotiations with Russia and the United States, confirmed that his apartment in the presidential compound was searched. He stated on Telegram, "The investigators are facing no obstacles," and emphasized his cooperation with the authorities, noting that his lawyers were present during the search.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office are leading investigations into a significant corruption scandal involving the energy sector, which has recently captured public attention. The scandal is linked to allegations of a $100 million scheme involving high-ranking officials. However, it remains unclear if the searches at Yermak's residence are directly related to this case. A spokesperson for the National Anti-Corruption Bureau declined to comment on the ongoing investigation due to legal restrictions.

Yermak's resignation comes at a challenging time for Ukraine, as the country faces mounting pressure from the United States to negotiate a peace deal with Russia, nearly four years after the invasion began. The political landscape has become increasingly tumultuous, with two government ministers resigning earlier this month amid the corruption scandal. Yermak's former deputies have also faced scrutiny, with two resigning in 2024 due to investigations into financial misconduct.

Despite not being formally accused of any wrongdoing, Yermak's position had become untenable. Some lawmakers within Zelenskyy’s party suggested that Yermak should take responsibility for the ongoing scandal to restore public trust. They warned that failure to act could lead to a split within the party, jeopardizing the president's parliamentary majority. However, Zelenskyy has urged unity among Ukrainians, calling for an end to political games as the country navigates the complexities of the ongoing conflict.

Yermak has been a close ally of Zelenskyy since their early days in the entertainment industry, where they first met over 15 years ago. He has been a key figure in Zelenskyy’s administration since the president took office in 2019, overseeing foreign affairs and later being appointed chief of staff in February 2020. Yermak has accompanied Zelenskyy on all international trips since the onset of the war in February 2022, solidifying his influence within the government.

As Ukraine continues to grapple with corruption issues, the European Union has reiterated its demand for reforms as part of Ukraine's aspirations for EU membership. The ongoing investigations and political fallout present significant challenges for Zelenskyy as he seeks to maintain support from Western allies and secure necessary funding for Ukraine's defense efforts.