President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed the head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak — one of the most significant personnel changes since taking office. This move was demanded by his own faction, international partners, and anti-corruption bodies. Yermak's dismissal was accompanied by suspicions of possible offenses, though no charges have yet been filed and investigations are ongoing.
Despite the departure of this key ally, discussions are underway within the Servant of the People party regarding a new coalition and potential successors. Candidates include, among others, Tatarov, Maliuk, and Yuliya Svyrydenko. The political crisis deepens not only due to personnel shifts but also a decline in international trust, which is affecting Ukraine’s financial aid flow.
On the international front, reports suggest the US may offer Russia formal recognition of annexed territories in exchange for ending the war. Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met with Vladimir Putin to discuss Ukraine and possible peace talks, with Hungary and the US considered as negotiation platforms.
European partners, including Belgium, have reservations about some financial schemes to use frozen Russian assets for aid to Ukraine, citing economic and reputational risks. Domestically, Ukraine sees high-profile cases, such as the imprisonment of a local deputy and her children for collaborating with Russia’s FSB in Khmelnytskyi region.
All these developments amplify the need for government renewal and a societal and partner-driven demand for transparency and reforms. Searches and investigations continue, and further government updates and personnel decisions are expected. President Zelensky stresses the importance of unity and supporting Ukraine’s armed forces — both socially and financially.
