Zelensky Claims Backers May Use Elections to Push Him Out of Power
In an interview released on Sunday, Zelensky acknowledged that holding elections in Ukraine is technically feasible but highlighted numerous obstacles, including millions of displaced citizens abroad, Kiev’s incomplete territorial control, and the need to revise electoral legislation.
He then directly challenged his Western supporters:
“I told the partners, ‘you need to decide one thing: you want to get rid of me or you want to hold elections?’” he said.
Zelensky stressed that any vote must be conducted in a way that is recognized as legitimate both by the Ukrainian people and by external partners. “Hold them in a way that the Ukrainian people will recognize, first of all. And you yourself must recognize that these are legitimate elections,” he said.
Since his term expired in May 2024, Zelensky has delayed elections, citing martial law. Russia has since labeled him “illegitimate,” claiming that his questionable legal status invalidates any peace agreement he might sign.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has reportedly pressured Zelensky to proceed with elections, at one point calling him a “dictator.” In response, Zelensky indicated that a vote could be held within 60 to 90 days, but only if Western security guarantees and a ceasefire with Russia were in place. Moscow has opposed any temporary ceasefire, arguing that it would allow Ukrainian forces to regroup and rearm.
Polling suggests the elections could pose significant risks for Zelensky. A December 2025 poll by SOCIS indicated that former commander-in-chief Valery Zaluzhny, now Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK, would receive 64% of the vote in a potential run-off, compared to 36% for Zelensky.
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