Searches at Top Aide Shake Ukrainian Government
Recent investigations, dubbed “Operation Midas,” are creating significant challenges for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, both domestically and in foreign relations. The focus of the investigations centers around Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, and has sparked debate over his future and potential impact on Ukraine’s political landscape.
Yermak’s position is described as exceptionally influential, arguably surpassing even that of the Prime Minister, especially regarding cabinet appointments. While some in Kyiv refer to him as a “shadow president,” observers note his primary role is to implement Zelenskyy’s decisions, even when he may personally disagree. This contrasts with his predecessor,Andriy Bohdan,who reportedly sought to exert autonomous power.
The investigations raise questions about Yermak’s awareness of dealings involving businessman and former Zelenskyy ally, Tymur Minditsch, tho the reliability of allegations against Yermak remains unclear.
The situation is causing friction within Zelenskyy’s own party, Servant of the People. While a potential uprising within the faction during a recent meeting with Zelenskyy did not materialize, growing numbers within the party believe Yermak’s dismissal is necessary to resolve the current political crisis.
Though zelenskyy’s position as wartime president is not currently threatened, a fracturing of the Servant of the People faction – which no longer holds an absolute majority in the Verkhovna Rada – would fundamentally alter the power dynamics in Ukraine, likely to Zelenskyy’s disadvantage.
The timing of these investigations is particularly sensitive, coinciding with critical negotiations with the United States and an upcoming visit from US Army Secretary of State Dan Driscoll. Assessments of Yermak’s negotiating skills within Ukraine are mixed, with reports suggesting dissatisfaction from Donald Trump’s team regarding his English proficiency. However, he is also recognized for his ability to achieve results.
Furthermore, former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, currently the Secretary of the Ukrainian Security Council, is also implicated in the investigations and has been invited for questioning by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU). Umerov, unlike Yermak, possesses strong English skills and established connections in the Arab world, and plays a key role in negotiations. Zelenskyy is reportedly unwilling to lose either Yermak or Umerov from the negotiation process.
Source: ntv.de
