Media: Ex-army chief signals intention to run for Ukraine presidency

Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom and former commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, has informed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of his intention to participate in the country’s upcoming presidential elections, sources told Ukrainska Pravda.

The meeting between Zelenskyy and Zaluzhnyi took place amid broader political discussions, with initial expectations that it could be linked to the resignation of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. However, the outlet said that the meeting ultimately focused on clarifying issues related to potential elections. 

The Ukrainian leader stressed the importance of avoiding risks that could arise from an electoral confrontation between the two figures.

During the meeting, Zelenskyy reportedly asked: “If elections are held in the autumn, will you run?”

“Yes. I will,” Zaluzhnyi replied.

The publication noted that the meeting continued for some time afterwards, but no alternative political or career options were proposed to Zaluzhnyi by the president.

Zaluzhnyi told Zelenskyy that he never intended to become a politician, but that “many people place their hopes in him” and that he cannot “disregard their trust.”

Following the meeting, Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council Rustem Umerov and parliamentary faction leader Davyd Arakhamia reportedly met with Zaluzhnyi, warning of potential social division and risks of a divisive election campaign. However, his position remained unchanged.

By Jeyhun Aghazada