Zelensky has intensified contacts with potential rivals amid possible elections
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has begun to communicate more actively with public figures who are considered his potential political rivals, amid growing prospects of elections after the end of hostilities, Bloomberg reports.
On Thursday, Zelensky held talks with former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valery Zaluzhny, who currently serves as Ukraine's ambassador to the United Kingdom. Relations between them deteriorated in 2024 after an unsuccessful counteroffensive campaign and the general's resignation.
Earlier this week, the president also announced meetings with other prominent figures who are linked to a possible entry into politics. Among them are volunteer and former TV presenter Serhiy Prytula, whose foundation supports the Ukrainian military, and civil society activist Serhiy Sternenko. Analysts note that a common feature of these contacts is their recognisability and potential to become competitors in the elections.
According to political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko from the Kyiv-based Penta Research Institute, such meetings are taking place precisely in the context of possible presidential elections. He believes that Zelensky may be trying to strengthen his image through association with popular figures or to establish working relationships with them and attract them to his political camp.
The president's activity coincides with discussions of a peace plan involving the United States, which provides for presidential elections after a ceasefire is established. At the same time, elections are currently impossible due to martial law. Zelensky has already appealed to parliament to develop legislative mechanisms for voting after the end of hostilities.
The situation is complicated by the fact that at the end of last year, confidence in the president fell by about 10 percentage points due to a corruption scandal in the energy sector. Despite this, according to sociologists, Zelensky's approval rating remains at around 60 per cent and largely depends on events on the front lines and in international negotiations.
A poll conducted at the end of 2025 showed that if elections were held, Zelensky would retain his lead with a slight margin over Zaluzhny, who could count on almost 21 per cent support. At the same time, none of the potential candidates has officially announced their intention to run.
