Ukrainecast Zelensky has lost his right-hand man, what now?
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Dec 2, 2025 James Waterhouse, BBC's Ukraine correspondent based in Kyiv, and Simon Shuster, a staff writer at The Atlantic, share their insights on the recent resignation of Andriy Yermak, President Zelensky’s chief of staff. They delve into how Yermak's exit could impact peace negotiations and the political landscape in Ukraine. Simon provides context from his final interview with Yermak, discussing the pressures leading to his departure. The duo also examines U.S. interactions with Russia and the implications for NATO’s military stance.
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Yermak's Central Role And Sudden Fall
- Andriy Yermak was a hugely influential chief of staff and central to Ukraine's diplomacy.
- His resignation followed a public raid and public pressure despite no formal accusation against him.
Power Concentration In The Presidential Office
- The Ukrainian chief of staff role traditionally holds outsized power, especially during martial law.
- That power makes the office both decisive for policy and a likely political 'fall guy' under pressure.
Last Interview Before The Raid
- Simon Shuster interviewed Yermak the day before the raid and says Yermak felt investigators were closing in.
- Yermak texted Shuster a joking message linking the interview's publication to the next-day raid.
