Andriy Yermak had ensured internal discipline in Ukraine’s wartime politics. He also led the country’s peace negotiations, which now must go on without him.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky removed his chief of staff Andriy Yermak amid a corruption probe, hours before Russian drone attacks hit Kyiv, with Rustem Umerov now leading U.S. peace talks.

Zelensky didn't reveal much detail about an updated plan, although he said there needed to be more investment for drones.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will face a new round of U.S. pressure next week to reach a deal to end Russia’s war as a corruption scandal engulfs his inner circle, opposition leaders call for a total government overhaul and Moscow continues to relentlessly bombard his country — setting the stage for one of the wartime leader’s most politically perilous moments yet.

President Zelensky announced the resignation of his powerful chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, whose residence was searched earlier in the day by anti-corruption investigators.

Next week will be packed with diplomatic meetings for President Volodymyr Zelensky with key allies, aimed at achieving concrete results to strengthen Ukraine’s defense and protect its energy infrastructure.

Since before the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, he was rarely far from Volodymyr Zelensky’s side, whether welcoming foreign dignitaries to Kyiv, or accompanying the Ukrainian president abroad on crucial missions to secure military and diplomatic support.

The chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine was seen as the second-most powerful person in Ukraine. He was dismissed on Friday.