(MENAFN) Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is reportedly considering the dismissal of his powerful chief of staff, Andrey Yermak, as tensions escalate in parliament over a sweeping corruption scandal tied to an alleged kickback operation worth around $100 million in the country’s energy sector, according to multiple accounts from lawmakers and media outlets.

Earlier this month, anti-corruption investigators accused Timur Mindich — previously a business partner of Zelensky — along with several associates, of pressuring companies working with the state nuclear agency Energoatom to surrender 10–15% of contract sums as illicit payments.

Mindich, however, was not the only figure implicated. An opposition lawmaker claimed that intercepted communications among Mindich’s circle suggested that Yermak — said to be referred to as “Ali Baba” — was aware of activities linked to the alleged scheme.

According to reports, prominent figures within Zelensky’s inner circle are urging him to remove Yermak from his post. One member of the ruling party was quoted saying that “it is easier to name those in parliament who are not demanding Yermak’s resignation.”

Another opposition MP asserted that lawmakers from the governing faction had delivered an ultimatum to the president: dismiss Yermak or risk members quitting the party. He also noted that discussions in parliament included speculation that Yermak could be ousted as early as Thursday, with former ambassador to the US Oksana Markarova floated as a potential replacement.

Meanwhile, some accounts suggest Zelensky may resist making such a move, arguing that firing Yermak would trigger a severe political crisis. One source portrayed Yermak as the president’s chief strategist and enforcer, handling key domestic and foreign policy matters, and warned that his removal could destabilize the government due to the number of ministers who rely heavily on him.

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