Four high-ranking members of Donald Trump's entourage have held secret meetings with key political opponents of Volodymyr Zelensky in Ukraine. This is happening at a time when Washington, together with Moscow, seems to be increasing pressure on the Ukrainian president, reports "Politico", reports News.bg.
Among the participants in these talks are the leader of the Ukrainian opposition Yulia Tymoshenko, known for her ambition, and members of the party of former President Petro Poroshenko. The main focus of the discussions is the possibility of holding early presidential elections, although the vote has been postponed due to the martial law in the country.
Trump's allies are convinced that Zelensky would lose the election due to public discontent and war fatigue. Although his rating has fallen in recent years, recent polls still place him as the leading candidate. According to a poll by the British company Survation, conducted after his last clash with Trump, 44% of Ukrainians support Zelensky, while his closest competitor, Valery Zaluzhny, has a score over 20% lower.
Officially, the US administration denies interfering in Ukraine's domestic politics, but statements by Trump and his advisers indicate otherwise. The US president accuses Zelensky of ruling without elections, and Republican senators have hinted that Ukraine needs to find a new leader who will work in sync with Washington.
In this political chaos, Zelensky's domestic opponents are beginning to seek informal contacts with the Trump camp. Analysts warn that early elections, in the midst of the war, could lead to instability and benefit the Kremlin. Moscow has long been pushing for Zelensky's removal, and pressure from Washington has only increased uncertainty in Kiev.
Trump's decision to cut off military aid to Ukraine has further heightened tensions, and the country's political leaders are realizing that without American support, Ukraine's future remains uncertain.