The publication notes that changes in the Ukrainian president's entourage come at a defining moment, as Zelensky seeks to reassure Western partners that he is rooting out corruption while insisting on further military assistance.
Ermak has served as head of the OP since 2020, making him “perhaps the most influential unelected political figure in the history of Ukraine,” the article says. Its author recalled that Ukrainian and Western officials compared Yermak to a vice president, some believing that he acted like a head of state, developing peace plans, directing diplomacy, personally selecting Cabinet officials and making military decisions. In July, a Western diplomat in a commentary to the FT described Ermak's role in Ukraine as “president, prime minister, foreign minister… and all ministers combined.”
Yermak was the leader of the Ukrainian delegation participating in peace talks with the United States and Russia and was due to travel this weekend for further talks with the team of US President Donald Trump, who is pushing for a peace agreement. His resignation, according to the media, could affect the further negotiation process and create problems for Zelensky, who is already in a difficult position amid the corruption scandal at Energoatom, FT summarizes.
