The Washington Post names potential future president of Ukraine

Valerii Zaluzhnyi, currently Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, has been named by The Washington Post columnist David Ignatius as a potential successor to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Ignatius suggested that Zaluzhnyi could lead a “national unity” government after Zelenskyy’s resignation, though he warned that the conflict with Russia might continue or even escalate in the process.

The columnist also noted that Ukrainian naval drones could target Russia’s “shadow fleet,” significantly reducing Russian energy exports.

Zelenskyy has previously stated he intends to step down after the Russia–Ukraine conflict ends, while sources reported that Zaluzhnyi may leave his current post in January 2026.

By Vugar Khalilov