Media: Zelenskyy faces crucial decisions following top adviser’s resignation

The resignation of Andriy Ermak, former head of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office, may force the president to make difficult decisions regarding Ukraine’s territorial issues and the size of its armed forces, The Washington Post reports.

Ermak’s departure leaves Zelenskyy, who is leading the country during wartime, in a vulnerable position.

The president is now seeking a replacement for the top role while preparing for crucial discussions on the US peace plan, where he may face challenging choices about the future of Ukraine’s military and territorial integrity.

For the first time since the full-scale war began in 2022, Zelenskyy will have to navigate a key moment without relying on his closest aide. Analysts note that Ermak’s exit alone is unlikely to resolve the country’s numerous internal challenges.

Yermak has resigned following an anti-corruption raid on his home. Yermak, a key adviser throughout Russia’s full-scale war, has faced mounting pressure amid the scandal, though he has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Zelenskyy recently appointed Yermak to lead crucial negotiations with the US, amid efforts led by President Donald Trump to advance a peace plan. In a national address, Zelenskyy called for unity, warning that Ukraine’s future was at stake.

The scandal has weakened Zelenskyy’s position domestically and complicated the country’s diplomatic efforts at a sensitive moment.

Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities launched a search of the apartment of Yermak on November 28.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) confirmed that the search was officially authorised and said additional information would be provided later.

By Aghakazim Guliyev