Andriy Yermak is ready for any consequences after stepping down from Ukraine’s government.

Resignation and Frontline Commitment Amidst Anti-Corruption Raid

WASHINGTON — Andriy Yermak, a notable former adviser to Ukraine’s president, shared with the Post on Friday that he’s set to go to the front lines, shortly after submitting his resignation following a raid conducted by the Kiev State Anti-Corruption Service at his residence.

“I’m going to the front lines and I’m prepared for any retaliation,” he expressed in a heartfelt text message late Friday. “I’m an honest and polite person.”

He later offered an apology for being unreachable by phone but didn’t specify when or how he plans to head to the warfront against Russia.

“I served Ukraine and was in Kiev on February 24, 2024,” he noted, recalling the day Russia started its aggressive military actions. “Maybe we’ll meet again. Glory to Ukraine.”

Yermak didn’t clarify how he intended to join the front lines or if he would enlist in the Ukrainian army.

“Even though I have been in Kiev since February 24, 2022, I have been desecrated and my dignity has not been protected,” he stated, adding that he doesn’t want to create issues for Mr. Zelensky. “I’m going to the front.”

“I’m exhausted by the negativity directed towards me, but I’m even more fatigued by the lack of support from those who understand the reality,” he remarked.

This message followed a chaotic day for Yermak, who had been leading Ukraine’s side in negotiations regarding the peace plan with Kiev. The raid on his home and his resignation coincided with his scheduled meeting with the U.S. delegation overseeing discussions to resolve the conflict with Russia.

A Ukrainian delegation is expected to visit the U.S. this weekend for talks with Presidential Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner as they progress on the peace plan.

President Zelensky has already made changes to the team handling negotiations with the U.S.

Rustem Umerov, who is part of the team and holds the position of secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, had previously convinced Witkoff that Ukraine would consider a pro-Russian 28-point peace proposal which was ultimately deemed unacceptable by Zelensky, according to U.S. officials.

The raid on Yermak’s residence followed a thorough 15-month investigation by Ukraine’s anti-corruption agency into a scandal referred to as “Operation Midas,” which allegedly involved extorting contractors of Energoatom for kickbacks between 10 to 15 percent under the threat of blacklisting.

Investigators claim that the individuals involved misappropriated nearly $100 million from the highest bids.

Olga Stefanisha, Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.S., told the Post: “The house was searched, but no further measures were implemented.”

“Mr. Yermak resigned to end any speculation,” she explained.

Zelensky remarked that Yermak’s resignation was crucial for maintaining public trust in Ukraine, especially as the nation faces challenging negotiations with the U.S. to conclude the war with Russia.

“We appreciate Andriy’s efforts in ensuring Ukraine’s position in negotiations was always necessary. It was a patriotic stance,” Zelensky commented. “But I hope there won’t be any rumors or speculations.”