Threat to Ukraine's Democracy
Ukraine's democracy is facing a threat from within, largely due to the actions of Andriy Yermak, Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff.
Yermak has become as powerful as Zelensky, if not more so, since Russia's invasion in February 2022, and has used his influence to:
- Control the flow of information between Kiev's leadership and Western capitals about the war
- Pursue a hardline negotiating stance that many analysts consider counter-productive
- Sideline ministers to control Ukraine's diplomatic channels
Trump should direct his frustrations against Yermak, Zelensky's right-hand man.
Author's summary: Yermak's influence poses a threat to Ukraine's democracy.