Western Discussions Reportedly Held on Potential Replacement of Zelensky; Zaluzhnyi Named as Possible Candidate

The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) reported on Tuesday that secret meetings were recently held involving representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom, and senior Ukrainian officials to discuss the possible replacement of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

According to the SVR, the discussions included Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, and Valerii Zaluzhnyi, former commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and current ambassador to the United Kingdom. Zaluzhnyi was reportedly proposed as a potential successor to President Zelensky.

The Russian agency stated that Washington and London support Zaluzhnyi as a presidential candidate, claiming that a change in leadership is considered a prerequisite for restructuring Ukraine’s relations with Western partners, particularly the United States.

Zelensky’s presidential term was originally set to end in 2024. However, the declaration of martial law in Ukraine in February 2022 has led to the suspension of both presidential and parliamentary elections.

Previous reports have indicated that the United States is encouraging Ukraine to hold elections, potentially by the end of the current year, contingent on a possible ceasefire agreement with Russia.

In related remarks, Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy, citing the absence of a renewed electoral mandate. He has also expressed doubts about Zelensky’s legal authority to sign any future peace agreement.

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