Yermak’s ouster came after Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies revealed that people close to Zelenskyy were involved in a plot to skim around $100 million from Ukraine’s energy sector. No charges have been brought yet against Yermak, a long-time Zelenskyy confidant who was seen as the second-most powerful man in the Ukrainian government.
The former adviser had been a key bridge to Ukraine’s Western allies and had led negotiations with Donald Trump’s White House. In his place, Zelenskyy has appointed Rustem Umerov, secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, to lead talks with top American officials scheduled for Sunday.
Yermak was scathing in his message that he would go fight for his country: “I’m disgusted by the filth directed at me, and even more disgusted by the lack of support from those who know the truth.”
“Maybe we’ll see each other again. Glory to Ukraine,” the former powerbroker added in his signoff.