Russian envoy Rodion Miroshnik says the resignation of Andriy Yermak, the former chief of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office, could open the door for Ukraine to pursue a more pragmatic path in future peace negotiations.
Speaking to Izvestia news on December 1, Miroshnik said Yermak’s departure is unlikely to hinder negotiations.
He argued that throughout Yermak’s involvement in the dialogue over the past six years, he consistently acted in ways that undermined progress.
“Yermak always created the impression of participating in talks but never delivered concrete results, effectively prolonging the conflict,” Miroshnik claimed.
He added that the political turbulence unfolding in Ukraine now presents “new possibilities” for Kyiv to recalibrate its course and move away from what he described as Western-driven decision-making.
Yermak’s exit followed searches by Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies at his home and office on November 28.
He later confirmed that investigators had carried out the operations. President Zelenskyy announced that Yermak had tendered his resignation, which was accepted by presidential decree.
Ukraine Delegation Holds Talks With Rubio
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described recent discussions with Ukraine regarding a potential deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war as productive, while noting that additional work remains.
The talks took place in Florida and included a Ukrainian delegation led by Rustem Umerov, the country’s new chief negotiator and secretary of the National Security and Defense Council.
Umerov replaced Andriy Yermak, Ukraine’s former top negotiator, who resigned following an anti-corruption raid on his home.
Also Read: Zelenskyy Sends Delegation to US to Advance Peace Talks
Also present at the meeting were Steve Witkoff, an envoy for President Donald Trump, and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law.
Witkoff is scheduled to travel to Moscow for further negotiations next week.
The meeting on Sunday, November 30, marked the latest in two weeks of intensive diplomatic engagement.
He added that the ultimate aim of the peace talks is to ensure that Ukraine remains sovereign, independent, and prosperous.
“It’s not just about the terms that ends fighting,” Rubio said.
“It’s about also the terms that set up Ukraine for long-term prosperity. I think we built on that today, but there’s more work to be done.”
Also Read: Zelenskyy Govt Very Boastful After a Surprise Attack on Putin’s Two Major Oil Tankers
Yermak Remains Defiant After Resignation
Following his resignation amid a major corruption probe, Andrey Yermak said on November 29 that he plans to join the front lines, according to a letter he sent to the New York Post, which reported the statement on November 28.
“I’m going to the front and am ready for any consequences,” Yermak wrote.
“I am an honest and decent person.”
Since his appointment in 2020, Yermak has emerged as one of Ukraine’s most powerful officials, with significant influence over security, diplomacy, and domestic policy.
Despite ongoing criticism, President Zelenskyy stood by him, dismissing claims that he exercised excessive authority.
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