Key facts
- David Arakhamia, head of the Servant of the People faction, has significantly increased his influence.
- Arakhamia played a role in the removal of President Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak.
- Following Yermak's departure, Arakhamia joined key international negotiations and summits.
- Arakhamia transitioned from a tech entrepreneur to a central figure in Ukraine's wartime government.
- His approach is characterized as transactional, focusing on deal-making and maintaining relationships.
David Arakhamia, head of the Servant of the People faction in Ukraine's parliament, has significantly expanded his influence following the removal of President Volodymyr Zelensky's powerful chief of staff, Andriy Yermak. Arakhamia was among those who advocated for Yermak's dismissal amid a major corruption scandal, and his position has since been strengthened.
Sources indicate that Arakhamia was one of the first to approach President Zelensky, suggesting Yermak should be removed. Following Yermak's departure, Arakhamia joined Ukraine's delegation in Paris for talks with U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and accompanied President Zelensky to the G7 and NATO summits, highlighting his increased role.
Described as a transactional dealmaker rather than an ideological politician, Arakhamia, who entered public life as a tech entrepreneur, now occupies a central position within Ukraine's wartime establishment. His background includes co-founding the IT company Template Monster, which he sold for approximately $100 million, and later launching Weblium. He also became involved in volunteer movements supporting Ukraine's Armed Forces after 2014.
Arakhamia's personal history includes fleeing his hometown in Georgia at age 13 due to conflict and settling in Mykolaiv, Ukraine. His former school principal, Yuriy Hranaturov, recalled him as an outstanding student who overcame obstacles related to his citizenship status. Arakhamia's pragmatic approach was evident even in his early involvement in negotiations with pro-Russian groups in Mykolaiv.