Zelenskyy urges former top general Zaluzhny to abandon presidential ambitions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky summoned Valerii Zaluzhnyy, Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom and former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to Kyiv in an effort to dissuade him from running in potential autumn presidential elections.

According to sources cited by Ukrainska Pravda and confirmed by Kyiv Post, the meeting was formally presented as a discussion on the political transition in London following preparations for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s resignation. However, the conversation quickly turned to Ukrainian domestic politics. Zelenskyy highlighted recent positive developments on the front lines and societal consolidation as a possible window for elections, while warning that a direct confrontation with Zaluzhny would risk severe internal divisions. Zaluzhny reportedly confirmed his intention to run if elections proceed.

Subsequent talks with senior officials, including National Security and Defence Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and ruling Servant of the People faction head David Arakhamia, echoed the president’s concerns about a divisive campaign. The presidential administration had reportedly prepared offers of high-level positions – including potentially prime minister – to keep Zaluzhny out of the race, but these were not extended after his firm stance.

Zaluzhny’s prominent military career

Zaluzhny rose to prominence as a key architect of Ukraine’s defence against Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. As Commander-in-Chief from July 2021 to February 2024, he played a central role in the successful defence of Kyiv in the war’s early months, the liberation of large parts of Kharkiv and Kherson regions in 2022, and the overall resilience of Ukrainian forces despite significant material disadvantages. Widely respected by troops and the public, he became a symbol of determined resistance.

His relationship with Zelenskyy deteriorated amid disagreements over strategy, particularly the 2023 counteroffensive. Zelenskyy dismissed him in February 2024, citing the need for “new approaches,” and shortly afterward appointed him ambassador to the UK – a move many analysts viewed as a way to sideline a popular rival from domestic politics while leveraging his stature on the international stage. Zaluzhny has consistently ranked near or ahead of Zelenskyy in presidential polls, making him a formidable potential challenger.

No official comments have been issued by Zelenskyy’s office or Zaluzhny on the reported meeting. The episode underscores deepening political tensions in Ukraine as discussions about post-martial-law elections intensify amid the ongoing war.

Autumn 2026 elections in Ukraine remain highly unrealistic. Martial law, extended until 2 August 2026 and routinely renewed, constitutionally prohibits national votes. Lifting it requires a sustained ceasefire and no active threat, plus at least 60–90 days (per Zelenskyy) for safe preparation, soldier voting, and logistics. No such truce exists, and public opinion favors elections only after the war or a stable truce. The recent Zelensky–Zaluzhny meeting signals internal maneuvering ahead of any future vote, not an imminent ballot.

Zelenskyy remains highly alert to potential rivals, as demonstrated by his harsh treatment of predecessor Petro Poroshenko – including criminal investigations, media restrictions, and public attacks – revealing a pattern of tolerating no serious competitors.

Caption: Official photo of General Valerii Zaluzhny as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces [Wikipedia]