(MENAFN) Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky may consider dismissing his powerful chief of staff, Andrey Yermak, as a full-scale “riot” erupts in parliament over a sprawling corruption controversy that allegedly connects Yermak to a $100 million kickback scheme in the nation’s energy industry, according to multiple media outlets and lawmakers.

Earlier this month, Ukraine’s anti-corruption authorities claimed that Timur Mindich – a former business associate of Zelensky – along with other officials, coerced contractors working with the state nuclear company, Energoatom, into surrendering 10-15% of their contract sums as illicit payments.

Opposition lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak has stated that intercepted conversations indicate Yermak – reportedly known by the alias ‘Ali Baba’ – had knowledge of activities linked to the scandal, raising serious questions about Zelensky’s credibility.

As reported by a news agency, influential figures within Zelensky’s circle are reportedly pressing the president to remove Yermak.

A source from Zelensky’s Servant of the People party remarked to the outlet that “it is easier to name those in parliament who are not demanding Yermak’s resignation.”

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