Political news from Kyiv region, government decisions and Ukraine politics
The dismissal of Andriy Yermak has become a political earthquake for Ukraine. The opposition will seize on it to intensify demands for the formation of a national unity government, and Zelensky has lost his most influential adviser on the eve of difficult negotiations with the United States.
President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak amid an anti-corruption investigation. NABU conducted searches at Yermak's residence; he was the country's second-most powerful person and a key negotiator with the West.
During a visit to Moscow, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said Budapest was ready to host talks to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. The leaders also discussed the possibility of a Russian‑American summit and cooperation in the energy sector.
Kyiv has protested the International Judo Federation's decision to allow Russian athletes to compete under the national flag, calling it a legitimization of the aggressor.
The main provisions of the peace plan, supported by the United States, for Ukraine and Russia were conveyed to the Kremlin following talks in Geneva. Discussions are scheduled to take place in Moscow next week.
Andriy Yermak, head of the President’s Office, confirmed that searches are being carried out in his apartment. He said he is prepared to cooperate with the investigation.
President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Volodymyr Tolkach from the post of Ukraine's ambassador to Serbia. He appointed Oleksandr Lytvynenko, who previously headed Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service.
European Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribeiro accused the United States of blackmail over attempts to weaken the EU's digital rules. Washington is offering a review of steel tariffs in exchange for changes to the Digital Markets Act.
Lithuania notified the Council of Europe of its intention to join the Special Tribunal on Russia's aggression; it became the first country to do so after Ukraine.
The Moldovan Parliament denounced the agreement with the Russian Federation on cultural centers — the decision on 27 November was supported by 57 deputies; citing airspace violations and the risk of disinformation, the "Russian House" will be closed.