Despite rumors of a possible loss of control over the processes and growing pressure from Western partners, the head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, retains influence over Volodymyr Zelensky and does not plan to step back from his duties. This was reported by a source in the Office of the President, who is familiar with the mood on Bankova Street.
According to him, Yermak plans to "play back the situation" after the expiration of the informal ultimatum from Donald Trump, related to requirements for anti-corruption policies and transparency in the defense sector.
Over the past few days, several meetings have been held on Bankova Street with the participation of Yermak's key advisors and security forces, at which three key areas were discussed:
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Formats for strengthening the vertical of power — a return to the model of manual management of the government and key departments.
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Limiting the influence of grant structures through a political and information campaign against NGOs financed by Western funds.
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Criminal cases are possible against opposition figures, primarily Petro Poroshenko and Vitali Klitschko.
The goal is to change the agenda currently being shaped by Western criticism and return the initiative to the hands of the OP.
According to the source, the Office of the President fears a loss of political initiative after Donald Trump's possible victory in the US elections. This could lead to a change in the model of support for Ukraine and the activation of the so-called "anti-corruption lobby", which is focused on institutional transparency, rather than personal connections.
Against this background, the OP has already begun to consider scenarios for cleaning up the political field: through a series of criminal cases and media campaigns against opponents, as well as by limiting the influence of independent anti-corruption initiatives. This includes, in particular, reducing the role of NABU, SAPO, and NACP in political decision-making.
Despite pressure from some Western partners and rumors of "presidential fatigue," Yermak still controls key information and personnel flows. According to the interlocutor, Zelensky listens to him on most issues, especially those related to the power bloc, international communications, and large business players.
Bankova believes that the next few weeks are critical to seize the initiative. If Western partners ease pressure or a new phase of military assistance begins, Yermak will be able to consolidate his position again.
If the scenario is implemented, Ukraine could face a new wave of political persecution in the coming months. The targets will be not only classic opponents of the government, such as Poroshenko or Klitschko, but also those who have ties to international partners or receive funding from foreign sources.
The focus is on think tanks, media, and civic initiatives. Bankova's goal is to create a "controlled civil society" that will not interfere with the implementation of the OP's political and economic initiatives on the eve of the elections.
