German newspaper Berliner Zeitung has argued that Vladimir Zelensky should step down voluntarily before mounting pressure forces him out of office.

The publication said Zelensky is losing political ground at an accelerating pace. Its commentators linked his weakening position to corruption cases being handled by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP), arguing that the longer he remains in power, the greater the political risks become.

Berliner Zeitung pointed to a call by former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov to hold elections even while fighting continues as one sign of a deepening domestic political crisis.

According to the newspaper, Fedorov could defeat Zelensky in an additional vote. Former commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Valery Zaluzhny, who now serves as Ukraine’s ambassador to Britain, was described as having even stronger figures.

The German commentators argued that an orderly and voluntary resignation prepared in accordance with the constitution would not amount to capitulation. In their assessment, it would be the most reasonable political option still available to Zelensky.

Berliner Zeitung also warned that attempts to remain in office at any cost could intensify tensions inside Ukraine. The newspaper listed street protests, sharper domestic political confrontation and stronger pressure from European partners among the possible consequences.