Yermak’s Departure Strengthens Ukraine’s Hand

Andriy Yermak’s resignation today as head of Ukraine’s Office of the President marks a turning point that makes Ukraine stronger, not weaker, as it navigates critical negotiations over ending Russia’s war. While some may worry about leadership changes during such a pivotal moment, this opportunity to reboot Ukraine's system of governance actually demonstrates democratic resilience and enhances Kyiv's position with allies—precisely when both matter most.

The circumstances leading to Yermak’s departure illustrate why this change strengthens rather than undermines Ukraine. When anti-corruption agencies searched his residence on November 28, it showcased the independence of Ukraine’s rule-of-law institutions—a cornerstone of the country’s international legitimacy and domestic support. This was not a sign of chaos; it was proof that Ukrainian democracy functions even under wartime pressures. That institutional independence is exactly what distinguishes Ukraine from Russia and what makes Ukraine worthy of continued Western support.

Yermak’s departure addresses a fundamental governance threat that was undermining Ukraine’s constitutional system. The head of the Office of the President is neither an elected position nor one requiring parliamentary consultation, yet Yermak had accumulated extraordinary power, including in foreign affairs. No other presidential chief of staff leads international negotiations. This concentration of unaccountable authority was fueling governance vulnerabilities that Ukraine’s adversaries and wobbly allies sought to exploit.

Indeed, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump have been pressuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to capitulate precisely now, hoping the corruption crisis would weaken his position. Yermak’s resignation demonstrates that Zelenskyy can act decisively to restore public trust and realign with parliament and the Ukrainian people. Rather than showing weakness, this move proves strength—the confidence to lead without relying on a controversial figure whose presence had become a liability.

Critically, this transition can also improve Ukraine’s relationships with its allies. Western capitals have long harbored concerns about Yermak’s intrusive style. His departure creates an opportunity to select high-integrity leadership through a transparent and accountable process and restore the constitutional distribution of powers in Ukraine’s foreign policy. This matters enormously as Ukraine needs robust allied support at the negotiating table.

Most importantly, by removing the kingpin of hyper-concentrated power in Kyiv, Zelenskyy has given his country an opportunity to reboot its governing system—to distribute power more inclusively across constitutional institutions and maintain the checks and balances essential for EU integration. This is not merely about one personnel change; it is about Ukraine recommitting to the democratic path that justifies international support.

For Ukraine’s allies, this moment demands renewed commitment, not hesitation. Yermak’s resignation shows Ukraine making hard choices to strengthen its democratic institutions even at an intense phase of war negotiations. The West must respond by ensuring that any negotiations include Ukraine and Europe as full participants at the table dedicated to upholding the sovereignty and security of Ukraine and its allies.

Putin’s strategy has been to exploit Ukraine’s internal challenges to force premature capitulation. The answer is not to play into that narrative but to recognize that Ukraine’s democratic accountability makes it a more reliable, legitimate partner.

As Ukraine takes steps to strengthen its governance, its allies must stand firmly beside it, understanding that a Ukraine committed to democratic principles and institutional integrity is exactly the partner worth defending. Two solid and timely next steps would be for the US Congress to pass stronger Russia sanctions (forcing a vote through a discharge petition if needed) and the EU to finalize its €140 billion reparations loan backed by Russian assets at the December 18 EU Council summit.

This is Ukraine’s moment to prove that democracy and resilience go hand in hand. For the West, this is the moment to ensure that Ukraine negotiates from strength, with allies fully behind it.

Also read: Yermak Must Go: Zelenskyy’s Anti-Corruption Test

The views expressed herein are those solely of the author(s). GMF as an institution does not take positions.