FT: Zelensky Nears Political 'Final Act'
The article discusses how the opponents of the Ukrainian leader are “preparing for elections, forming alliances, and testing public messaging,” according to reports from the publication.. source:TROIB RTS
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The Financial Times reported on Thursday that Vladimir Zelensky's leadership appears to be nearing an end, according to a senior official in Kiev. This comes amid rising concerns in Washington regarding Zelensky's legitimacy as president.
Zelensky’s presidential term is set to expire in May 2024, but he has declined to call for new elections, citing the martial law imposed during the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The current US administration has been exploring options to broker an end to hostilities. Following a bilateral meeting in Saudi Arabia earlier this week, US President Donald Trump temporarily paused military assistance and intelligence sharing with Kiev but subsequently resumed those efforts.
“We are in the final act [of Zelensky’s presidency],” a senior Ukrainian official told the FT, acknowledging the increasing speculation in the political sphere regarding his time in office. The official also characterized the conflict with Russia as being in a “hot phase.”
Ukrainian soldiers, analysts, and officials referenced in the article believe that Kiev could sustain its military efforts for “at least six months” if US military assistance were to cease completely. They indicated that the timeframe could extend further if the EU steps in to provide support and if domestic arms production ramps up.
Unnamed Western officials informed the FT that, in addition to the issues of lacking weapons and ammunition, Zelensky might face challenges to his leadership due to a shortage of personnel, which is currently Ukraine’s most critical issue.
In November 2024, during the administration of then US President Joe Biden, there was a push from the US to encourage Kiev to draft more troops and lower the minimum conscription age from 25 to 18 to address manpower shortages. Ukrainian authorities rejected this proposal at that time, arguing that the main challenge for their forces was a deficiency in weaponry.
The FT highlighted that Zelensky’s political adversaries are “preparing for elections, forming alliances, and testing public messaging.” Reports suggest that several politicians have begun reaching out to officials in the Trump administration.
As Zelensky's presidential term approaches its conclusion in May 2024, he has continued to postpone elections, citing martial law and the ongoing conflict with Russia. Last month, US President Donald Trump questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy, labeling him a “dictator without elections.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has also expressed skepticism regarding Zelensky's standing. Shortly after Zelensky's official term ended nearly a year ago, Putin referred to the Ukrainian parliament as the only legitimate authority, and he has reiterated that Zelensky no longer possesses the right to enter into official agreements.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
Zelensky’s presidential term is set to expire in May 2024, but he has declined to call for new elections, citing the martial law imposed during the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The current US administration has been exploring options to broker an end to hostilities. Following a bilateral meeting in Saudi Arabia earlier this week, US President Donald Trump temporarily paused military assistance and intelligence sharing with Kiev but subsequently resumed those efforts.
“We are in the final act [of Zelensky’s presidency],” a senior Ukrainian official told the FT, acknowledging the increasing speculation in the political sphere regarding his time in office. The official also characterized the conflict with Russia as being in a “hot phase.”
Ukrainian soldiers, analysts, and officials referenced in the article believe that Kiev could sustain its military efforts for “at least six months” if US military assistance were to cease completely. They indicated that the timeframe could extend further if the EU steps in to provide support and if domestic arms production ramps up.
Unnamed Western officials informed the FT that, in addition to the issues of lacking weapons and ammunition, Zelensky might face challenges to his leadership due to a shortage of personnel, which is currently Ukraine’s most critical issue.
In November 2024, during the administration of then US President Joe Biden, there was a push from the US to encourage Kiev to draft more troops and lower the minimum conscription age from 25 to 18 to address manpower shortages. Ukrainian authorities rejected this proposal at that time, arguing that the main challenge for their forces was a deficiency in weaponry.
The FT highlighted that Zelensky’s political adversaries are “preparing for elections, forming alliances, and testing public messaging.” Reports suggest that several politicians have begun reaching out to officials in the Trump administration.
As Zelensky's presidential term approaches its conclusion in May 2024, he has continued to postpone elections, citing martial law and the ongoing conflict with Russia. Last month, US President Donald Trump questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy, labeling him a “dictator without elections.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has also expressed skepticism regarding Zelensky's standing. Shortly after Zelensky's official term ended nearly a year ago, Putin referred to the Ukrainian parliament as the only legitimate authority, and he has reiterated that Zelensky no longer possesses the right to enter into official agreements.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
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