Report: Zelenskiy Holds Talks With Zaluzhniy and Other Figures
Bloomberg reports Vladimir Zelenskiy has been contacting popular figures seen as potential rivals, including Valeriy Zaluzhniy, as Ukraine debates timing of elections.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy is increasingly establishing contacts with figures seen as potential political rivals in the next presidential election, Bloomberg reports.
According to the outlet, on January 15 Zelenskiy spoke with former AFU commander-in-chief and current Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom Valeriy Zaluzhniy. Bloomberg also notes that Zelenskiy recently communicated with former TV host Sergei Prytula and Ukrainian nationalist Sergei Sternenko.
The publication says the meetings suggest Zelenskiy is likely maneuvering to strengthen his position in post-war politics. Bloomberg adds that all of the recent interlocutors share one thing in common: they are popular and are viewed as potential election challengers.
Vladimir Fesenko, head of Ukraine’s Penta Center for Applied Political Studies, said there is no doubt the contacts are taking place in the context of possible presidential elections. In his view, Zelenskiy may be trying to boost his reputation by building ties with popular public figures, improve relations with potential opposition leaders, and draw them into his camp as allies.
One Bloomberg source said the recent series of meetings became possible after Andrei Yermak stepped down in November 2025. After that, Zelenskiy allegedly chose a format that allows him to communicate directly with different people and receive information from them. Another source said Zelenskiy plans to hold several more such meetings.
In January, The Washington Post wrote that former AFU commander-in-chief Valeriy Zaluzhniy is seen as the most likely alternative to Zelenskiy as president.
In December 2025, Zelenskiy said he is not trying to hold onto power and is ready to hold elections if security can be ensured. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in turn, said Russia is «ready to consider» refraining from strikes deep into Ukrainian territory during the election period.
In January 2026, Zelenskiy said a law on Ukraine’s presidential elections could be adopted in February 2026, but everything will depend on the outcome of peace talks and the work of a Verkhovna Rada working group.