KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced the resignation of his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, after anti-corruption investigators searched his Kyiv apartment in a widening scandal shaking the government at a critical moment in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Yermak — widely seen as the most influential figure in Zelensky’s inner circle and the architect of Ukraine’s diplomatic strategy — has not been accused of wrongdoing but has faced growing pressure as public anger over corruption allegations mounts.

The scandal threatens to weaken Kyiv’s negotiating position as the United States pushes a new plan to end the nearly four-year conflict.

In a somber address delivered outside the presidential office, Zelensky warned that internal division could jeopardize the country’s future.

“We risk losing everything: ourselves, Ukraine, our future,” he said, urging unity and discipline. He added that consultations on a new chief of staff would begin immediately.

The resignation follows early-morning raids carried out Friday by Ukraine’s anti-corruption bureau (NABU) and the specialized anti-corruption prosecutor’s office (SAP).

Yermak said he was fully cooperating with investigators. “From my side there is full cooperation,” he posted on social media.

Zelensky praised his longtime adviser, saying Ukraine’s position in international negotiations “was always presented as required — always a patriotic position.”

Yermak’s departure comes as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and senior American officials hold intensive talks with Kyiv over a 28-point draft peace plan, which Ukraine and several European capitals argue is too accommodating to Moscow.

The plan has unsettled allies and prompted renewed fears that Washington may pressure Ukraine into territorial concessions — something Zelensky has repeatedly ruled out.

Hours before the raid, Yermak reiterated Kyiv’s red lines: “As long as Zelensky is president, no one should count on us giving up territory.”

The anti-corruption investigation centers on an alleged $100 million embezzlement scheme involving Ukraine’s energy sector, including the state nuclear company Enerhoatom.

Several high-profile figures have been detained, and two government ministers have already been dismissed. Although investigators have not publicly linked Yermak to the case, the political fallout has been severe.

Public trust in the chief of staff had plummeted in recent weeks, with polls suggesting 70 percent of Ukrainians favored his resignation.

Lawmakers from multiple parties — including Zelensky’s own — had also accused him of wielding excessive influence as an unelected official.

The scandal also comes as Ukraine prepares for winter under continued Russian attacks on critical infrastructure, with millions enduring limited electricity due to strikes on the national grid.

Yermak, 54, has been one of Zelensky’s closest allies for more than a decade.

The two men first worked together in the media industry, and Yermak became chief of staff in 2020. — Agencies