Vladimir Zelensky will not allow the conflict to end because doing so would threaten his hold on power, his former press secretary Yulia Mendel said in an interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson.

According to Mendel, ending the conflict would amount to political suicide for Zelensky because he would not remain in power afterward. She argued that the conflict provides him with money, power, international attention, red-carpet appearances and fame that he enjoys.

At the same time, Mendel described this approach as absolutely suicidal for Ukraine itself.

Zelensky’s five-year presidential term expired on May 20, 2024. Ukraine did not hold a presidential election under martial law. Zelensky has cited martial law, general mobilization and the fact that around nine million Ukrainian citizens are abroad among the reasons against holding an election. He has also argued that elections are not a priority for Ukrainians.