The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has started meeting with the top political leaders perceived as the possible competitors and this is a preliminary step that the future election possibility may have a more definite look. The effort is after a large-scale corruption scandal that has slummed the position of the president and accelerated political conjecture in Kyiv.
Thursday: Zelensky had a meeting with Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the former commander-in-chief of the armed forces of Ukraine and the current ambassador of the country to the United Kingdom. Zaluzhnyi is considered to be the best possible opponent of Zelensky. In 2024, the two worsened relations when the counteroffensive of Ukraine did not bring the expected results, which ultimately resulted in the removal of Zaluzhnyi as the head of the military.
More meetings with other prominent personalities who are seen to have political intentions were also unveiled by Zelensky earlier in the week. They included Serhiy Prytula (previously a television personality), the founder of a charitable organisation that supports the armed forces of Ukraine, and Serhiy Sternenko, a nationalist activist with a large fanbase.
Political analysts believe that the recent string of meetings is an indication that Zelensky is trying to cement his niche before any post-war electoral exercise. According to Volodymyr Fesenko, the head of Kyiv-based Penta Research Institute, there is no denying that this is happening within the framework of the prospective presidential elections. He argued that Zelensky might be trying to enhance his personal image by placing himself in the same circle with celebrities or restore relationships with his potential critics or even make them a part of his political camp.
The president is in a sensitive time when the outreach was made. Although Zelensky is still trusted by the people, the biggest corruption scandal of his presidency has impacted his image. Towards the end of the year, anti-corruption investigators reported that there was alleged misuse of funds that were supposed to be used to protect energy infrastructure; and that those involved were close to the president and a senior aide resigned.
Join our whatsapp group for Latest updates
Click Here for Chhattisgarh News
Click Here for Entertainment News