MP Shevchenko urged Zelensky to start negotiations with Russia and ‘step down.’ Head of the President’s Office Yermak responded

A public conflict is unfolding between Ukrainian Member of Parliament Yevhen Shevchenko and the Office of the President.

The head of the President’s Office, Andriy Yermak, stated that “some” members of the Verkhovna Rada are “confused” and are acting against Ukraine’s interests.

“Some members of parliament seem to be confused about issues of national security, national interests, and the country’s future. If their version of national interests is Ukraine’s defeat, then they are making a serious mistake to Russia’s benefit. Ukraine’s victory plan and the Peace Formula are paths to justice,” Yermak wrote.

Yermak’s comments likely refer to statements made by MP Yevhen Shevchenko, which have been actively discussed on social media. In his posts, Shevchenko urged President Volodymyr Zelensky to begin negotiations to end the war and then “step down.”

“Come on, Volodymyr, it’s time! Mr. President, it’s time to start a dialogue. I understand that after this you may have to step down. But the country is more important than personal ambitions. I can help if needed. I’ll go to Minsk again. We’ll sort everything out. Just start. If you don’t, you’ll be forced to leave by those who applauded you in Western countries yesterday,” wrote Shevchenko, who has previously collaborated with the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR).

Shevchenko also called for an end to the “political persecution” of MPs and public figures and claimed to have written a letter to Trump and U.S. Senator J.D. Vance requesting assistance in halting further authoritarianism, dictatorship, and lawlessness, as well as restoring democracy and freedom of speech in Ukraine’s political sphere.

Shevchenko interpreted Yermak’s statement as directed at him and responded with references to Trump.

“Andriy, you should stop eliminating and persecuting Ukrainian MPs. This will not benefit Ukraine. Your post is already being read in the U.S. How is my position different from that of Donald Trump? Or do you also think he acts in Russia’s interests?” Shevchenko wrote.

It is worth noting that Yermak reiterated that Ukraine continues to demand the complete withdrawal of Russian troops as a condition for ending the war.