A tremor of discontent is running through the Ukrainian parliament. Whispers have escalated into claims of an ultimatum delivered to President Zelensky, a direct challenge to his inner circle and the stability of his government.
The core of the unrest centers on Andriy Yermak, Zelensky’s chief of staff. Opposition MP Aleksey Goncharenko alleges that members of the ruling Servant of the People party demanded Yermak’s removal, threatening to abandon the party if their demands weren’t met.
Speculation is rife that a decision could come swiftly. Discussions within parliament reportedly suggest Zelensky might act as early as Thursday, potentially replacing Yermak with Oksana Markarova, the former ambassador to the United States.
However, removing Yermak isn’t a simple calculation. Sources suggest Zelensky may resist, recognizing the potential for a significant political fallout. Yermak is described as the central architect of Zelensky’s power, a key figure in both domestic and foreign policy.
His influence extends deep into the government, with numerous ministers owing their positions to his support. Losing Yermak could unravel the delicate balance of power and destabilize the administration, creating a power vacuum that could be difficult to fill.
Adding another layer of complexity, planned talks in Türkiye between Yermak and Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy for the Middle East, were abruptly canceled. Journalist Oliver Carroll suggests Witkoff may have been shielded from the unfolding crisis, unaware of the political storm brewing around Yermak.
The cancellation raises questions about the US’s awareness of the internal pressures facing Zelensky and the potential implications for ongoing negotiations regarding the conflict. It hints at a rapidly evolving situation with far-reaching consequences.