Ukraine Crisis Deepens As Zelenskyy Aide Resigns Amid High-Stakes Peace Talks

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

KYIV/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faced a major political crisis Friday after his top aide resigned following a raid by anti-corruption investigators, adding to mounting pressure on the Ukrainian leader as Kyiv weighs a controversial U.S.-backed proposal to end the war with Russia.

For over a week, Zelenskyy has tried to contain the fallout from a $100 million corruption scandal in Ukraine’s energy sector. This investigation has already led to the dismissal of ministers and sanctions against close associates. Authorities have not accused Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, of wrongdoing, but the search of his apartment by investigators triggered immediate political shockwaves.

The crisis is unfolding as the United States and Russia circulate a draft peace framework that, according to documents monitored by Worthy News, would require significant concessions from Kyiv while offering fewer guarantees from Moscow. Ukrainian and European officials have signaled unease with elements of the proposal.

Meanwhile, Russia continues slow but steady advances along parts of the 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line and has intensified strikes on Ukraine’s power infrastructure, causing severe electricity shortages as winter sets in.

Yermak, long considered the second-most-powerful figure in Ukraine’s government, confirmed earlier Friday that investigators had searched his residence and said he was “fully cooperating.” He has been leading Ukraine’s negotiating team in recent talks with U.S. officials in Geneva in an effort to end Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two.

ANTI-CORRUPTION AGENCIES MOVE AGAINST TOP AIDE

Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) conducted the raid. The agencies did not publicly detail the reason, but the operation follows a sweeping investigation into an alleged kickback scheme involving state energy contracts.

The president announced Yermak’s resignation in his nightly address, saying it was part of a wider “reboot” of the presidential office.

The developments have intensified internal dissent within Zelenskyy’s Servant of the People party, where some lawmakers question Yermak’s decisive role in government decision-making and appointments.

Lawmakers stress that even without charges, political responsibility must be taken as public trust erodes.

GOVERNING PARTY FRACTURES EMERGE

Analysts warn the scandal could fracture Zelenskyy’s governing majority if the president refuses to distance himself from long-time allies implicated in the probe. One figure named in earlier investigative findings, media business partner Tymur Mindich, has reportedly left the country.

Political analyst Mykola Davidiuk said the crisis highlights deeper governance issues. “The management style of Zelenskyy is not working,” he said, warning that Ukraine’s allies expect decisive action.

Under martial law introduced after Russia’s invasion, elections remain suspended, making it unlikely Zelenskyy will be forced from office. However, political turbulence could hinder his ability to secure parliamentary approval for any future peace agreement, analysts say.

HOLD ON POWER UNDER SCRUTINY

Former army chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi — now Ukraine’s ambassador to Britain — remains a popular potential challenger in future elections, despite repeatedly denying political ambitions.

A draft peace plan, monitored by Worthy News, shows the U.S. and Russia have outlined proposals that would require Ukraine to cede some territory, reduce its military capabilities, and pause its NATO aspirations — demands Kyiv has previously rejected as unconstitutional. It remains unclear which elements, if any, Ukraine or its allies would accept in revised form.

The proposals come at a volatile moment for Kyiv and have raised concern among European partners who fear Ukraine could be pressured into an unfavorable deal.

US–RUSSIA PLAN SPARKS CONCERN

“The timing of this draft is damaging for Ukraine,” warned Orysia Lutsevych of Chatham House, a London-based foreign policy institute. She said both Washington and Moscow “saw the domestic scandal and decided to put more pressure on him to concede to a Russian plan.”

Chatham House, formally known as the Royal Institute of International Affairs, specializes in global security and foreign policy.

European allies have publicly reiterated their support for Ukraine and cautioned against any settlement that undermines the country’s territorial integrity.

On the battlefield, Russian forces are pressing toward Kupiansk and Lyman in northeastern Ukraine and intensifying attacks near Pokrovsk, a strategic logistics hub in Donetsk. Its loss would open new avenues for Russian advances, local officials warn.

Russian missile and drone strikes on power plants have triggered the worst electricity shortages since the early months of the war, placing further strain on civilians as temperatures plunge.

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