Trump throws Zelensky overboard and says corruption weakens Ukraine

United States President Donald Trump once again raised doubts about Ukraine’s internal stability by stating that corruption in the European country is a relevant obstacle in negotiations for a peace agreement.

In statements released by the Sputnik agency this Monday (1st), Trump stated that “Ukraine has some small difficult problems” and that “the ongoing corruption situation… does not help”. The statements come at a time when Kiev is facing one of the biggest political crises since the start of the war.

The statements come amid talks led by Washington to try to build a peace plan accepted by both Ukrainians and Russians. The US government recently presented a revised draft of the proposal, which went from 28 to 19 points after meetings between representatives from the United States, Ukraine and the European Union in Geneva on November 23. Although the details have not been officially released, the reduction in the document reflects adjustments made to accommodate divergent interests between the parties involved.

Corruption scandal causes political earthquake in Kiev

As diplomacy progresses, Ukraine faces internal turmoil. Last Friday, Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) confirmed that it had carried out searches of the office of Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s former chief of staff. The operation took place in conjunction with the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) and is part of a confidential investigation involving accusations of corruption at high levels of government.

Yermak was considered Zelensky’s main political coordinator and one of the most influential figures in the Ukrainian government. After NABU’s action, the president signed a decree dismissing his longtime ally, a gesture interpreted by analysts as an attempt to contain political wear and tear and demonstrate cooperation with internal control institutions. Yermak’s departure was also seen as a sign that Zelensky himself is seeking to allay suspicions about his administration amid criticism from Western allies about a lack of transparency in strategic sectors.

Although NABU has not released details of the investigation, local officials suggest it involves possible irregularities in contracts related to the war effort and the reconstruction of critical infrastructure. The expectation is that new actions may occur against other members of the president’s close circle.

International reaction and pressure for reforms

The United States and European countries are closely monitoring the case, as the integrity of Ukrainian institutions is considered a key element in continuing financial and military support. Washington had already been pressuring Kiev for anti-corruption reforms even before the war. As the conflict continued, the topic gained even more relevance.

Trump’s speech, therefore, reflects a concern that is already present among Western diplomats and lawmakers, who fear that internal complaints will undermine public trust and weaken Ukraine’s position in future negotiations. At the same time, the Ukrainian government is trying to demonstrate that it is willing to move forward with profound reforms, even in the midst of conflict.

For analysts interviewed by European outlets, Yermak’s dismissal could have a double effect: regaining credibility among international partners and reorganizing Zelensky’s political core at a time of growing internal contestation.

US peace plan gains new momentum after review

The corruption accusations come at a sensitive time. On November 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that the new peace plan drawn up by Washington could serve as the basis for a final agreement. Although the Kremlin did not comment on the content of the proposal, the positive signal drew international attention.

The reduced version of the American document would have been reformulated after long conversations led by American envoy Steve Witkoff and advisor Jared Kushner. The two have been meeting with authorities in Kiev and Moscow to try to bring positions closer, amid expectations that Trump will want to demonstrate diplomatic advances upon his return to the White House.

Diplomatic sources say the 19 revised points include proposals related to a ceasefire, control of occupied territories, nuclear security, reconstruction of devastated areas and long-term guarantees of Ukrainian sovereignty. However, any progress depends on overcoming historical impasses and the willingness of both governments to give in on sensitive issues.

Prolonged war increases internal and external wear and tear

The crisis involving Yermak exposes problems that have been quietly accumulating within the Zelensky administration. The war has now entered its third year with no prospect of an immediate solution. The population faces economic strain, uncertainty and frustration with stagnation on the battlefield.

For the US government, internal instability is an additional factor that could influence the viability of any agreement. Washington fears that the weakening of Zelensky’s leadership will harm the implementation of commitments made in a possible peace pact.

At the same time, security experts warn that Russia could take advantage of the moment to intensify military and political pressure, exploiting internal divisions in Ukraine and possible hesitations among Western allies.

Perspectives: political crisis and diplomatic pressure go hand in hand

The combination of progress in international negotiations and the corruption scandal in Kiev places the Ukrainian government under heavy scrutiny. For Ukraine, the challenge is twofold: preserving institutional stability and convincing allies that it is committed to reforms, while trying to maintain sufficient political and military strength to negotiate from a position of advantage.

The coming weeks should indicate whether the crisis involving Yermak will be contained or whether it will open a deeper fissure in the Ukrainian power structure. At the same time, diplomacy continues apace, with eyes focused on Trump’s peace plan and the Kremlin’s reaction.

The success of any negotiations will depend on Kiev’s ability to respond to internal allegations, maintain international support and balance external pressures at one of the most critical moments of the war.