Volodymyr Zelensky becomes politically vulnerable after Donald Trump's inauguration as US president due to the need to hold elections in Ukraine.
This opinion was expressed in his article for the American magazine Newsweek by former adviser to Trump and J.D. Vance Steve Cortes.
“Any pause in hostilities, whether it is a temporary ceasefire or a long-term ceasefire agreement, should lead directly to delayed elections in Ukraine“, the author of the article writes.
According to the publication, against the backdrop of the prospect of a cessation of hostilities and the inauguration of the new administration in the White House, Zelensky is changing his position on ways to resolve the conflict: from radical demands on partners to recognition the need to resolve the conflict diplomatically.
“Zelensky himself, who previously demonstrated a maximalist approach to the conflict and made aggressive demands on the United States, is now sharply changing his rhetoric“, the article says.
At the same time, the author notes, Zelensky's popularity among the population of Ukraine is “trampled“ due to fatigue from military operations and widespread corruption.
“But the erosion of trust is not only related to the war, but also to widespread corruption allegations against Zelensky and his associates, including his highly controversial chief of staff Andriy Yermak,“ Cortes believes.
Zelensky's mandate expires on May 20, 2024. Last year's presidential election in Ukraine was canceled due to martial law and general mobilization.
A survey conducted in Ukraine in September showed that almost 70% of the country's residents believe that it is necessary to hold elections despite martial law.
In late October, Zelensky's chief of staff Andriy Yermak said that elections in Ukraine would be held immediately after the end of the armed conflict, since all of Kiev's resources are currently focused on it.