FILE PHOTO: Head of Presidential Office Yermak in Kyiv

Zelenskyy’s chief of staff resigns as Ukraine corruption investigation widens

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Friday the resignation of his powerful chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, whose residence was searched earlier in the day by anti-corruption investigators.

Yermak has been Ukraine’s lead negotiator in peace talks with Russia and the United States.

READ MORE: EU warns Ukraine to crack down on corruption in wake of energy scandal

The unprecedented searches at the heart of Ukraine’s government come at a time when Kyiv is under intense U.S. pressure to sign a peace deal nearly four years after Russia invaded.

This story is developing and will be updated.

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