Andrii Yermak was "in a state of shock" when he learned that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy decided to dismiss him from the post of head of the President's Office.
This is announced by reporters of the influential publication The Economist, Ukrainian News Agency reports.
"The head of the President's Office, Andrii Yermak, who has accumulated enormous power and many enemies, has become the most visible victim of a corruption scandal amid diplomatic pressure on Ukraine," the article says.
The Economist emphasizes that for years Yermak was considered a man "too powerful to fall."
According to insiders, he was "in a state of shock" when he learned of the President's decision to dismiss him from the post of head of the President's Office.
"Despite Friday's searches, which were reportedly linked to the scheme (Mindichgate), Yermak was not named as a suspect in the case. He denies any wrongdoing. But his towering status at the center of Ukrainian politics made him an obvious target for those who wanted his blood," the publication writes.
He is accused, in particular, of playing a key role in a rash attempt to strip the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of their independence.
Because of this, Yermak was one of the most popular figures mentioned on posters by protesters when they took to the streets in the summer.
One of the senior officials interviewed by journalists noted that the former head of the President's Office has a unique ability to unite people against him.
And his sharp and evasive manner has made Yermak extremely unpopular among Ukraine's allies in Washington.
This harmed the state at critical moments of the negotiations.
However, there are supporters of Yermak, who believe that he fell victim to unpopular decisions made by the President.
"Zelenskyy has given him enormous powers in the field of security and economic policy, as well as in negotiations, but insiders claim that the final say always remained with the President. Some have argued that he kept Yermak in office as a possible victim if necessary," The Economist writes.
The publication adds that no successor will have such influence.
As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, the former head of the President's Office, Andrii Yermak, after resigning, complained about the lack of support and said that he was going to the front.
On November 28, Zelenskyy announced in a video message that Yermak was resigning.
On Friday morning, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office announced that they were conducting searches at the home of the head of the President's Office, Andrii Yermak.
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