‘Corruption is a hydra’: Ukraine rocked by another high-profile sacking

Al JazeeraCenterEN 5 min read 100% complete by Mansur MirovalevDecember 2, 2025 at 12:42 PM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

In December 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy fired Andriy Yermak, the head of the presidential office, amid a $100 million corruption scandal and Western pressure. Yermak, a former lawyer and close associate of Zelenskyy, had held significant power, influencing appointments and strategic decisions regarding the war with Russia. He was also a key peace negotiator. Yermak's concentration of power and abrasive style had made him a controversial figure. The firing followed months of speculation and an investigation into his alleged involvement in corruption.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Volodymyr Zelenskyy ×480% Andriy Yermak ×7100% Ukraine ×6100%

Keywords

corruption 100% andriy yermak 90% ukraine 80% volodymyr zelenskyy 70% sacking 70% scandal 60% western pressure 50% peace negotiator 50% state administration 40%