Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday that his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has submitted his resignation amid a corruption scandal.
Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies searched Yermak's home in the morning on Friday. Yermak said he was fully cooperating with the investigators.
Andriy Yermak, leads Kyiv's negotiating team trying to hash out terms after Washington presented a draft backing Russian demands.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office said jointly the searches were "authorised" and linked to an unspecified investigation.
Earlier this month, the two anti-graft agencies unveiled a sweeping investigation into an alleged $100 million kickback scheme at the state atomic energy company that ensnared former senior officials and an ex-business partner of Zelenskyy.
Yermak, 54, has been a close friend of Zelenskyy since before the one-time sitcom star embarked on his political career, and helped guide his 2019 presidential campaign.
He has not been named a suspect, but opposition lawmakers and some members of Zelenskyy's own party have called for his dismissal as part of Ukraine's worst wartime political crisis.
Friday's searches are likely to inflame tensions between Zelenskyy and his political opponents as Kyiv faces mounting pressure to accept a deal that could force it into painful concessions.
In a statement on Friday, the opposition European Solidarity party called for Yermak's dismissal and his removal from the negotiating team, as well as for a new coalition government and talks with Zelenskyy.
"The issue of peace and the fate of Ukrainians cannot depend on the personal vulnerabilities and tarnished reputation of politicians involved in a corruption scandal," it said.
Armenia and Azerbaijan are engaged in discussions about the potential export of various products from Armenia to Azerbaijan, as confirmed by Armenia's...
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has urged the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to “do its part for national unity” amid ongoing cla...
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday (January 9) accused protesters of acting on behalf of U.S. President Donald Trump....
Türkiye has stepped back from mediating between Pakistan and Afghanistan after repeated efforts failed to narrow deep differences between Islamabad a...
Azerbaijan has dispatched a new rail shipment of petroleum products to Armenia, marking a continued resumption of trade following the lifting of long ...
Armenia and Azerbaijan are engaged in discussions about the potential export of various products from Armenia to Azerbaijan, as confirmed by Armenia's Minister of Economy, Gevorg Papoyan.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday (January 9) accused protesters of acting on behalf of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Türkiye has stepped back from mediating between Pakistan and Afghanistan after repeated efforts failed to narrow deep differences between Islamabad and Kabul.
Azerbaijan has dispatched a new rail shipment of petroleum products to Armenia, marking a continued resumption of trade following the lifting of long standing transit restrictions.
Snow and ice stalled travellers in northwest Europe on Wednesday, forcing around a thousand to spend the night in Amsterdam's Schiphol airport but delighting others who set out to explore a snow-blanketed Paris on sledges and skis.
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face a strong response from the United States if its authorities kill protesters amid ongoing unrest.
Iran is now facing a near‑total internet blackout as anti-government protests sweep the country. Major cities including Tehran have seen connectivity drop sharply, leaving millions of residents isolated from online communication.
Hungary’s foreign minister on Wednesday criticised European plans to establish military hubs in Ukraine, saying the move risks pushing Europe closer to a direct confrontation with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on the United States to target Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Russia’s Chechnya region, with an operation similar to the recent U.S. action that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Türkiye has stepped back from mediating between Pakistan and Afghanistan after repeated efforts failed to narrow deep differences between Islamabad and Kabul.
New York City parents could soon have access to free childcare for two-year-old children following a joint announcement made by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday (8 January).
French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that the U.S. is “gradually turning away” from some of its allies and “breaking free from international rules”.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 9th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Russian drone and missile attacks on Kyiv early on Friday (9 January) killed at least 4 people, injured at least 19, and caused significant damage to residential buildings and critical infrastructure, Ukrainian officials said.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment