Zelenskyy addresses prospects for re-election in light of war's outcome

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not directly confirmed whether he plans to run for a second term.

Zelensky, elected in 2019, stressed that elections cannot take place while martial law is in effect, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

However, he indicated he would consider a second term when the circumstances allow. "I don't know how this war will end: if I do more than I can – then I will look at it [the prospect of running for a second term] more positively," Zelenskyy said during a telethon.

He highlighted the ongoing Russian advances in the east of Ukraine, adding that his goal is to stabilize the front line by January, though he admitted the task is "very difficult."

Achieving a just peace for Ukraine, according to Zelenskyy, requires securing reliable security guarantees from allies, joining the European Union, and being invited to join NATO – a position Moscow strongly opposes.

Zelenskyy also stated that his current priority is stabilizing the front line. "Putin is afraid of negotiations because they would mean Russia’s defeat," he added.

In his remarks, Zelenskyy suggested that US President-elect Donald Trump could play a decisive role in ending the 34-month war with Russia and helping "stop Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin".

Zelenskyy recalled a conversation with Trump, quoting the former president’s invitation. "Trump told me: ‘One of the first visits I will be expecting is you.’ He said that for him, the priority is to finish the war, and he will do it," Zelenskyy recalled.

On May 20, 2024, Zelenskyy’s term as president of Ukraine ended. He assumed office on May 20, 2019. Under Ukraine’s constitution, the new president was meant to take the oath of office on May 20, but the presidential election was not held, with authorities citing martial law as the reason. Critics of Zelenskyy argued that he was avoiding the risk of losing power.

Earlier, The Washington Post reported that Zelenskyy was becoming vulnerable to criticism, especially due to the significant influence of Andriy Yermak, head of the President’s Office. The article suggested that Yermak is now one of the most powerful figures in the office of a Ukrainian president.

By Tamilla Hasanova