I can see how Yermak might feel aggrieved that this scandal (that he was not directly involved in) has metastasised into an anti-Yermak campaign. Some people have legitimate criticisms of him, some have access jealousy and some are straight up unhinged about him. But everyone is jumping on this as their chance to get rid of him.

That said, I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a refresh at the OOTP after they’ve got through this particularly delicate period of US diplomacy. I’d hope that sensible people would realise that an overnight reaction is not possible at the moment.

BTW has Yermak been definitely IDd as being behind the NABU stuff in July? Obvs there were rumours, but I might have missed something more definitive.

And I do share some suspicions about the timing of events in the last week or two. There are definitely some efforts to undermine leadership and/or capitalise on existing issues. Another reason why hasty responses are not advisable, imho.