Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom Valeriy Zaluzhny, during a visit to Kyiv, told President Volodymyr Zelensky that he would run for the post of head of state if the elections are held in the fall.
This was reported by “Ukrainska Pravda” citing sources close to Volodymyr Zelensky and Valeriy Zaluzhny.
According to the publication, Valeriy Zaluzhny officially arrived in Kyiv for consultations on the political situation in the United Kingdom and its possible impact on Ukrainian-British relations.
After discussing this topic, the conversation turned to the possible holding of presidential elections in Ukraine in the fall.
“Zelensky said that the situation on the front has recently been developing positively, society remains sufficiently consolidated, and therefore a window of opportunity has opened to hold elections. However, the main task — the president continued — is to conduct them in such a way that the country does not get a new internal split; therefore it is necessary to avoid the risks that a confrontation between Zelensky and Zaluzhny would entail,” the article says.
Volodymyr Zelensky directly asked the former commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine whether he would take part in the elections.
“Yes. I will”.
According to Ukrainska Pravda, Bankova tried to persuade Valeriy Zaluzhny to withdraw from running because of the risk of a public split and a confrontational campaign.
He was reportedly ready to be offered various state positions, including the post of prime minister.
According to sources, Valeriy Zaluzhny explained that he did not seek a political career, but cannot ignore the trust of people who place their hopes in him.
Officially, Valeriy Zaluzhny and the Office of the President did not comment on this information.
Earlier we wrote:
- Zelensky on Zaluzhny’s words about the 2023 counteroffensive: “Isn’t this all too early?”
- 40% of Mykolaiv residents would choose a new President, 34% support Zelensky
- After Zaluzhny’s statements, Zelensky urged putting politics on hold and focusing on defense
- Searches during the war: Zaluzhny said he was ready to “repel an attack” in the center of Kyiv
- “Zelensky didn’t provide resources”: Zaluzhny named the reason for the failure of the 2023 counteroffensive
