Ukrainian President Zelensky Eyes Second Term Amidst Uncertainty
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly decided to seek a second presidential term, according to Ukrainian outlet "Telegraf," citing sources close to the president. However, neither Zelensky nor his office has officially confirmed or denied this information yet.
"Zelensky’s decision to run for a second term is made, with a 52% trust level, his chances of winning the presidential election remain high," the sources told "Telegraf."
The outlet emphasizes that Zelensky’s chances hinge on whether former Armed Forces of Ukraine Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhny decides to run. Zaluzhny, currently Zelensky’s main political rival, has not yet made a final decision about his political future.
Even if successful, Zelensky may not retain the so-called "monobolotnost" (mono-majority) in the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament), as he would need to form a coalition, with the inclusion of the pro-presidential "Servant of the People" party being an open question, "Telegraf" reports.
Zelensky’s presidential term officially ended on May 20, 2024. Due to the ongoing military situation, neither parliamentary nor presidential elections have been held in the country. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously stated that Zelensky’s term "expired along with its legitimacy, which cannot be restored by any tricks."
In a recent interview with American journalist Lex Friedman, Zelensky suggested that his re-election chances depend on the outcome of the conflict in Ukraine, describing it as a "complex question."
