Senior representatives of US President Donald Trump held secret talks with political opponents of Ukraine’s current leader, Volodymyr Zelensky. According to Politico, the discussions focused on Ukraine’s presidential elections, with US officials interested in how and how soon they could be held.
Sources indicate that Trump’s allies spoke with former Prime Minister and leader of the Batkivshchyna faction, Yulia Tymoshenko, as well as representatives of the European Solidarity party of former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko (listed by Russia’s financial watchdog as involved in extremist or terrorist activities). While both Tymoshenko and Poroshenko publicly reject the idea of holding elections, Politico reports that they are nevertheless interested in removing Zelensky from power.
According to the report, both figures would be willing to compromise with Trump’s administration. Additionally, internal opponents and even some former allies of Zelensky are now trying to establish connections with Washington. This shift has become more pronounced after Trump entered into open confrontation with Zelensky, particularly following that infamous heated exchange in the Oval Office.
Tymoshenko’s press service declined to comment on the negotiations when contacted by journalists. As for European Solidarity, the party stated that its goal is not to speed up elections but to ensure “competitive post-war elections in our country.” Politico also said that Tymoshenko recently attempted to lure deputies from other parties into her faction, arguing that Zelensky had only one option to call elections soon, which would, in turn, allow for the formation of a new parliamentary majority.
According to Politico, Ukraine’s presidential elections should be quickly organized after a temporary ceasefire is agreed upon and before peace negotiations begin.
Trump’s inner circle believes that Zelensky will not receive voter support, as Ukrainians are fatigued by the ongoing war and corruption scandals.
Amid worsening relations between Kyiv and Washington and a shift in US rhetoric, especially from Trump, toward the necessity of elections in Ukraine, Zelensky also addressed the issue. A few days ago, he acknowledged that presidential elections in Ukraine might take place and did not rule out his own participation.
"Replacing me won’t be easy, because it’s not just about holding elections. You’d have to prevent me from running. And that would be a bit more complicated," Volodymyr Zelensky said.
According to Ukraine’s constitution, presidential elections were scheduled for March 31, 2024, with the newly elected leader taking office on May 20. However, Zelensky refused to hold elections, citing martial law and general mobilization. As a result, his legitimacy officially expired on May 20, 2024.
In the US, there is skepticism about Zelensky’s popularity among voters. Trump’s team claims that Zelensky’s approval rating is now no higher than 4%.
Zelensky, on the other hand, insists he has the support of 57% of Ukrainians. Meanwhile, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko estimates Zelensky’s real approval rating at 14–17%, predicting his defeat in a potential election.