Ukrainian PM reportedly joined effort to oust head of Zelenskyy's Office

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko was part of a group of politicians who pushed for the dismissal of Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak, despite initially being part of his team, Ukrainska Pravda writes.

Svyrydenko, together with Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, participated in a secret meeting with representatives of Zelenskyy’s ruling party, Servant of the People, to discuss Yermak’s dismissal, the report says. 

The outlet states that the “high secret council” meeting took place in Stefanchuk’s office and culminated in a call to Zelenskyy.

“At that point, Yermak had already fallen out with everyone on the team. So even Yulia [Svyrydenko], whom he had helped, could not work effectively. When everyone spoke, they decided to call [Zelenskyy] and tell him directly that Andriy [Yermak] should be removed,” said an unnamed participant in the meeting.

During the call, each participant explained their reasons why Yermak needed to be dismissed. Zelenskyy could not ignore the unified position of representatives from parliament, the government, and the party leadership, the source said.

Ukrainska Pravda also writes that Yermak, upon learning of the plan, reportedly blocked the participants of the “conspiracy” and did not respond to their messages. He also attempted to initiate criminal cases against Servant of the People faction leader Dmytro Arahamia, several deputies, and members of the Holos party.

Journalists estimate that following Yermak’s dismissal, the political influence of Dmytro Arahamia and Yulia Svyrydenko will increase.

By Khagan Isayev