Ukraine and Vladimir Zelensky have entered one of the most volatile and perilous phases of his presidency. That is the central argument of an analysis published by The Washington Post, whose authors point to a convergence of internal and external pressures tightening around the Ukrainian leader.

According to the newspaper, Washington is preparing to exert heavy pressure on Zelensky within days, insisting that he move toward bringing the conflict with Russia to a close. This looming demand, observers note, is only one layer of the political turbulence now surrounding Kyiv.

Another is a major corruption scandal that has burst into the open and reached Zelensky’s inner circle. Against this backdrop, the article highlights the resignation of Andrei Yermak, the head of the presidential office and Zelensky’s key negotiator with U.S. officials. Western analysts quoted by WP argue that Yermak’s departure forces Zelensky to confront a critical question: how to maintain political control in the absence of one of his closest and most influential aides.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s domestic opposition continues to press for the government’s resignation. At the same time, Russian forces persist in striking critical infrastructure across the country, adding military strain to the political upheaval.

The article recalls that on the morning of November 28, investigators from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office conducted searches at Yermak’s home as part of an anti-corruption probe. Hours later, Zelensky announced that the head of his office was stepping down voluntarily. Yermak later stated that he had always acted with integrity and intended to head to the front.