Former Ukrainian presidential press secretary Yulia Mendel called Andriy Yermak, the former head of the presidential office, the most dangerous figure in the Ukrainian government. In an interview, she revealed how Yermak manipulated information for Zelenskyy and was able to unofficially block any instructions from the head of state.

Mendel, who left her post as speaker in 2021, described Yermak's influence: he had full access to the president's data flow and could isolate Zelenskyy from undesirable topics or, conversely, feed him information that was favorable to him.

"Yermak had access to information flowing to Zelensky; he could completely isolate Zelensky from a particular topic, or, conversely, feed him the information he needed." She explained.

Moreover, according to Mendel, Yermak had the ability to annul any decision of the president behind the scenes, creating a trap for his subordinates.

"Yermak could unofficially overrule any of Zelenskyy's decisions, and after that, you fall into a trap. If you do what Zelenskyy says, you're confronting Yermak, and if you listen to Yermak, you become his hostage." — the former speaker noted.

Mendel emphasized her personal fear of Yermak:

"After working with Yermak, I'm happy they let me go so easily, and every day I think, 'Thank God I'm alive.' Yermak is a very dangerous man. He can destroy your reputation in a minute, and it takes two minutes, at most, for a criminal case to be opened against you."

She also recalled how, in 2019, Yermak turned to American political strategists for advice on how to seize power:

"In 2019, Yermak commissioned consultations from American political strategists on how to become president, how to govern the country, and how to promote himself."

Mendel gave the interview against the backdrop of Yermak's resignation in November 2025 due to a corruption scandal.