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Zelensky Keeps Yermak as Energy Graft Probe Erodes His Grip on Parliament

The move underscores deepening rifts within his party.

Overview

  • At a Nov. 20 meeting with his faction, President Volodymyr Zelensky told lawmakers he will retain chief of staff Andriy Yermak, according to attendees and people familiar with the exchange.
  • The closed-door session ended without decisions and highlighted a fraying majority, with some Servant of the People deputies urging a stronger role for parliament or a unity cabinet.
  • Opposition parties European Solidarity, Golos and Batkivshchyna demanded Yermak’s dismissal and the government’s resignation, calling for talks on a new coalition.
  • Operation Midas, run by NABU and SAPO, is probing alleged skims at state nuclear operator Energoatom; accused associate Timur Mindich left for Israel before raids, and authorities have pursued cases involving former official Alexey Chernyshov.
  • Fresh claims added to the pressure, with reports that Yermak may appear in case files under a pseudonym and an ex-SBU officer alleging Zelensky’s involvement in comments to TASS, even as Zelensky vowed to punish any officials found guilty.