"It was either him or Yermak, and Zelensky chose himself"

His departure will also trigger pressure on Zelensky to form a national unity government, something that has been demanded since the beginning of the Russian invasion, writes Politico.

Yermak wielded significant influence in Ukraine; many considered him practically a vice president, and his dismissal was welcomed by many, with the opposition expected to use the moment to strengthen their demands.

Zelensky is now also without his main aide for upcoming negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump, but aside from him, few will mourn this change.

According to Politico, Yermak’s power had provoked numerous factions and discontent across Ukraine, as well as among allies, and the opposition believes Zelensky will use the current situation to pursue a more inclusive policy.

Yuliya Mendel, a Ukrainian journalist and former adviser to Zelensky who has become one of his critics, considers Yermak’s resignation a “desperate reaction to unbearable pressure.”

“Zelensky does not have a ready replacement because he never thought things would go this far. But the pressure became so intense that it boiled down to the simplest choice: him or Yermak. And Zelensky chose himself,” she said, signaling significant changes ahead.