Zelenskyy updates the NSDC and the Stavka: why Yermak was expelled now
5 December 23:32
Today, on December 5, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed two decrees that removed former head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak from key national security bodies, the National Security and Defense Council and the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the presidential decrees.
Both documents came into force upon their publication.
What exactly has changed
Decree No. 901/2025 excludes Andriy Yermak from the National Security and Defense Council.
Decree No. 902/2025, adopted on the basis of the NSDC proposal, removes him from the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff.
This means that the former head of the President’s Office no longer participates in meetings where decisions on defense, military planning and national security are made.
Why it happened now
The formal reason was the fact that Yermak was dismissed from the post of head of the OP, which he had held since 2020. However, at the end of November, it became known that even after his dismissal, he retained at least ten positions in various bodies, including membership in the NSDC and the Security Council.
The President’s decision clears these bodies of an official who no longer holds a public office and is at the center of investigations by anti-corruption agencies.
NABU and SAPO investigations: what is known
on November 28, NABU detectives and SAPO prosecutors conducted searches related to Yermak’s activities.
The prosecutor’s office confirmed that the searches were authorized and were part of criminal proceedings.
According to journalists, investigators visited his parents’ apartment, where he sometimes spent the night.
Two laptops and several phones were seized during the searches.
Mr. Yermak stated that the investigators were given full access and emphasized that his status in the proceedings has not been determined – he has not been served with a notice of suspicion.
According to MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak, the investigative actions may be related to Operation Midas, as well as the Mindich tapes, wiretapping materials related to the influence of businessman Timur Mindich, a longtime acquaintance of Zelensky.
What is happening to Yermak now
After his dismissal on November 28, the president announced the termination of his powers as head of the Office.
Yermak himself told the New York Post that he was “going to the front.”
There is no official confirmation of his service.
Why the exclusion from the NSDC and the Bet is important
- Clear delineation of powers. These bodies are formed of officials who have official status in the government. After his dismissal, Yermak continued to be a member of them, which created a legal conflict.
- Strengthening institutional transparency. In the context of an investigation into certain episodes related to the activities of the former head of the OP, the president’s decision reduces possible risks of influence.
- Updating management processes. The Presidential Staff and the National Security and Defense Council are operating in wartime mode, so their composition should be as efficient and formally impeccable as possible.
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