Zelensky’s credibility in the West falters because of Yermak – The Washington Post
21 May 2024 14:38
The head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, remains the most influential person in the country after Zelenskyy himself, but he is gradually becoming “toxic” to the head of state. This is stated in an article by The Washington Post, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
The publication emphasises that Yermak’s proximity to the president has previously caused a flurry of accusations. Critics argue that Yermak undemocratically consolidated power in the presidential office, quietly watched the unnecessary purges of senior officials, restricted access to Zelenskyy, and sought personal control over almost every major decision during the war. Now that Zelenskyy’s constitutional mandate has expired, this criticism will only intensify.
“The Constitution of Ukraine prohibits elections under martial law. But as long as Zelenskyy remains in office, he will be vulnerable to accusations that he has used the war to erode democracy: seizing control of the media, sidelining critics and rivals, and elevating Yermak, his unelected friend, over career civil servants and diplomats,”
– the newspaper writes.
Recently, critics say, Zelenskyy’s circle of advisers has narrowed, and Yermak has interfered in the Foreign Ministry, interfered with military decisions, and brokered key deals with partners, including the United States. All of this, in their view, should be done by the president.
Some Western officials even say this undermines Zelenskyy’s authority and raises doubts about who is responsible for decisions: Zelenskyy or Yermak.
Several officials refused to talk about Yermak at all, fearing repercussions.
“To maintain legitimacy, Zelenskyy ‘must have trust,'” said an official, speaking on condition of anonymity, to preserve his political status and avoid retribution. “His credibility is falling,” the official said, “because Yermak’s actions are constantly reflected on the president
– writes The Washington Post.
At the same time, it is known that the US administration likes people who demonstrate efficiency. And that is exactly what Yermak has in spades
In particular, this is how Michael McFaul, the former US ambassador to Russia, who together with Yermak heads the International Working Group on Russian Sanctions, assessed Yermak.
“In a sense, he is actually the prime minister, foreign minister and chief of staff. I know how everyone complains about Yermak. But I would say that the downside is the war. And I think he is damn effective in his work… You need people who can do the job and you know they are 100 per cent committed to you. That’s the role that Yermak plays for President Zelenskyy,”
– mcFaul said.
