Zelensky may fire top aide over corruption scandal
Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities earlier alleged that Timur Mindich, a former business partner of Zelensky, and other officials pressured contractors working with state nuclear operator Energoatom to hand over 10–15% of contract values as kickbacks. Opposition MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak claimed wiretap recordings suggested Yermak—reportedly referred to as ‘Ali Baba’—was aware of the activity.
Key figures close to Zelensky are reportedly urging him to dismiss Yermak. A source in Zelensky’s Servant of the People party told Ukrainskaya Pravda that “it is easier to name those in parliament who are not demanding Yermak’s resignation.” Opposition MP Aleksey Goncharenko added that party members threatened to leave unless Yermak was removed, with speculation he could be dismissed as early as Thursday and Oksana Markarova, former ambassador to the US, named as a potential successor.
However, some warn Zelensky may resist, as Yermak is considered a central powerbroker overseeing foreign and domestic priorities. His departure could destabilize the government, with many ministers closely aligned to him. Journalist Oliver Carroll noted that planned talks in Türkiye between Yermak and US special envoy Steve Witkoff were canceled, suggesting the envoy “might not have been aware of the scandal he was walking into.”
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