The head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak has as much influence as head of state Volodymyr Zelensky, and possibly even more. This is stated by the British newspaper Financial Times. According to the author of the article, for detractors, Yermak is an unelected king who accumulates limitless power, undermining the democratic system of checks and balances that Kyiv has implemented since the Euromaidan of 2014.
According to Financial Times data, the head of the OP draws up lists for the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine for the imposition of sanctions. He is accused of manipulating judicial investigations in order to discredit his opponents and delaying anti-corruption investigations. According to sources, Yermak 'organizes secret operations, disseminating leaks of information and rumors through anonymous channels on Telegram.'
Journalists of Financial Times pointed out that Andriy Yermak's influence on political processes in Ukraine may exceed that of President Zelensky himself. They note that various actions aimed at strengthening his power, which could have serious implications for the political situation in the country, are attributed to Yermak.