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Kyiv – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky personally summoned his ambassador to the United Kingdom, former top military commander Valerii Zaluzhny, to Kyiv in an effort to dissuade him from entering the race for president in potential autumn elections.
According to sources cited by Ukrainska Pravda, the official reason for the meeting was to discuss the impending resignation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and its implications for Ukraine-UK relations. However, the conversation quickly turned to Ukrainian domestic politics.
The official take is that Zelensky told Zaluzhny that recent positive developments on the battlefield and growing societal unity had opened a window for holding elections this autumn. He stressed the importance of preventing internal divisions, warning that a direct political confrontation between the two men could pose serious risks to the state.
The real concern for Zelenskiy is any thought of losing power is terrifying, as he is essentially a dictator, who has outlived his constitutional mandate.
Zelensky then asked Zaluzhny point-blank whether he intended to run for president. Zaluzhny confirmed that he would indeed be a candidate.
Political Deadlock
The discussion on Zaluzhny’s political future ended abruptly after his confirmation. According to insiders, the presidential administration had prepared offers of senior government positions—including potentially the role of prime minister—in exchange for Zaluzhny withdrawing from the race. Those offers were never formally presented after Zaluzhny’s firm response.
Zaluzhny reportedly told Zelensky that, although he had never actively sought a political career, he felt a duty to honor the significant public support he had received. The two men shook hands and parted ways, reported Clash Report.
Continued Pressure in Kyiv
The diplomatic effort did not end with the meeting at the presidential office. While in the capital, Zaluzhny held separate talks with National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and David Arakhamia, leader of the ruling Servant of the People parliamentary faction.
Both officials echoed Zelensky’s arguments, highlighting the dangers of societal division and the risks of a bitterly contested election campaign. Zaluzhny, however, stood by his decision and refused to reconsider despite the high-level appeals.
The developments mark a significant escalation in tensions between Zelensky and his former top general, who enjoys substantial popularity in Ukraine. Zaluzhny’s decision to run could complicate Kyiv’s plans for a controlled political transition amid the ongoing war with Russia.
