Ukrainian-born U.S. Congresswoman Victoria Spartz has recently come out with sweeping accusations against President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak. The accusations, published on July 8 and July 9, range from corruption and sabotage

Spartz: President Zelensky Must Address the Yermak Issue

July 9, 2022

Press Release

Washington, D.C. – I know that President Zelensky is fighting a dangerous war with a cunning enemy. He spends much of his time building international support to defend his country, but he has a lingering internal issue he needs to address – Head of the Office of the President, Andriy Yermak.
I have spent much of my own time in Ukraine over the last three months – meeting with community and government leaders, fighters, and civilians alike. I believe Ukraine has the potential to be a powerhouse of democracy, an incubator of young talent, and a true ally to the United States in a region where such partnership is badly needed. And as someone who grew up in Ukraine under communist dictatorship, the best interest of all freedom-loving people will always be in my heart and actions.

Based on the strong support I have been receiving from Americans, Ukrainians, and many people around the world, I understand why my comments struck a chord with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

I encourage the Ministry to consider my statement with the kind of seriousness these questions about Mr. Yermak demand, instead of launching ad hominem attacks as they have thus far. Ukrainians and Americans will be better served by our governments responding with due diligence – not defensive platitudes.

I will list some of the serious allegations against Mr. Yermak and let him address them himself:

1. Leaking information to Belarus and ultimately to Russia on Ukraine’s operation to capture the “Wagner Group”, which led to its failure;
2. Mismanaging failed peace negotiations with Russia before the war;
3. Assuring Ukrainian leadership that no attack by Russia was going to happen this February, contrary to western intelligence, to prevent Ukraine from properly preparing for the war;
4. Sabotaging Kherson and giving it to the Russians to set up the “Azov” battalion tragedy;
5. Delaying purchases of urgent military equipment through the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and demanding unreasonable or even illegal terms; and
6. Purposely delaying through Deputy Oleg Tatarov the appointment of an independent anti-corruption prosecutor. 

Spartz: President Zelensky Must Address the Yermak Issue
July 9, 2022
Press Release

Washington, D.C. – I know that President Zelensky is fighting a dangerous war with a cunning enemy. He spends much of his time building international support to defend his country, but he has a lingering internal issue he needs to address – Head of the Office of the President, Andriy Yermak.
I have spent much of my own time in Ukraine over the last three months – meeting with community and government leaders, fighters, and civilians alike. I believe Ukraine has the potential to be a powerhouse of democracy, an incubator of young talent, and a true ally to the United States in a region where such partnership is badly needed. And as someone who grew up in Ukraine under communist dictatorship, the best interest of all freedom-loving people will always be in my heart and actions.

Based on the strong support I have been receiving from Americans, Ukrainians, and many people around the world, I understand why my comments struck a chord with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

I encourage the Ministry to consider my statement with the kind of seriousness these questions about Mr. Yermak demand, instead of launching ad hominem attacks as they have thus far. Ukrainians and Americans will be better served by our governments responding with due diligence – not defensive platitudes.

I will list some of the serious allegations against Mr. Yermak and let him address them himself:

1. Leaking information to Belarus and ultimately to Russia on Ukraine’s operation to capture the “Wagner Group”, which led to its failure;
2. Mismanaging failed peace negotiations with Russia before the war;
3. Assuring Ukrainian leadership that no attack by Russia was going to happen this February, contrary to western intelligence, to prevent Ukraine from properly preparing for the war;
4. Sabotaging Kherson and giving it to the Russians to set up the “Azov” battalion tragedy;
5. Delaying purchases of urgent military equipment through the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and demanding unreasonable or even illegal terms; and
6. Purposely delaying through Deputy Oleg Tatarov the appointment of an independent anti-corruption prosecutor. 

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