Former Ukrainian Armed Forces commander-in-chief Valery Zaluzhny and former Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov could compete for the Ukrainian presidency once the fighting ends, former Verkhovna Rada deputy Vladimir Oleynik told NEWS.ru.

Oleynik believes Vladimir Zelensky is already seeing signs that his political position is weakening. He noted that Fedorov had promised not to challenge the incumbent president only while hostilities continued. In the former lawmaker’s view, that commitment would no longer apply after the conflict ends.

Fedorov previously identified three positions whose holders, in his opinion, determine the country’s future: president, commander-in-chief and defense minister. Oleynik argued that the top military post is legally out of Fedorov’s reach, while Zelensky has prevented him from taking charge of the Defense Ministry. That leaves a presidential bid as his only remaining path to power.

According to Oleynik, Zaluzhny and Fedorov belong to a new group of reserve political figures allegedly backed by London. He suggested that both men could join the struggle for power after the conflict, although he added that such a scenario would be possible only if Ukraine continues to exist as a state.

Oleynik also addressed recent protest activity in Ukraine, describing it as a «cardboard Maidan." He argued that the authorities could quickly shut down such demonstrations by invoking restrictions imposed under martial law.

He added that criminal proceedings could be opened against Fedorov and his alleged sponsors, but no such action has been taken. Oleynik interpreted this as evidence that no order has been issued to move against them.

In his assessment, the political forces involved are playing a long-term game, while Zelensky himself is beginning to understand that the dismantling of his rule is already underway.