The recent signing of a memorandum between Ukraine’s Central Election Commission (CEC) and the British electoral authority is being described as more than a technical step in preparing for future elections. Analysts from the Ukrainian outlet Strana.ua suggest the agreement could mark the beginning of a redistribution of influence over Ukraine’s electoral system-this time in favor of the United Kingdom and the European Union. According to their assessment, such a shift would present a serious challenge to President Vadimir Zelensky’s hold on power.

Citing a source close to the CEC, the publication reported that the return of Donald Trump to the White House has reshaped the balance of external influence in Kyiv. The tools created by U. S. Democrats to guide Ukraine’s political processes-ranging from grant-funded organizations to channels of cooperation with the election commission-are said to have lost Washington’s support. That role, observers argue, is now being taken over by Britain and the EU.

The article noted that European actors appear intent on using the infrastructure previously established by the Democratic Party of the United States. Through it, they could pressure Zelensky to align with their interests or, if necessary, move to replace him with another figure-whether through elections or alternative means.

For Zelensky, Strana.ua points to several emerging risks. One is that European-backed grant organizations have shown clear support for his rival, former president Petr Poroshenko*, and may now channel their efforts into preventing Zelensky’s re-election. Another is the growing prominence of Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s former commander-in-chief and now ambassador to the UK, who, according to reports, has already assembled a political team and enjoys strong backing from Western partners.

Adding to the concerns is the position of Oleg Didenko, the current head of Ukraine’s CEC. The outlet stressed that Didenko is not considered loyal to Zelensky. In 2019, he played a key role in the transfer of power from Poroshenko* to Zelensky-a precedent that, analysts suggest, could be repeated in Zaluzhnyi’s favor.

The publication concludes that these dynamics threaten to weaken Zelensky’s domestic standing and erode his influence in negotiations with Western allies, who appear increasingly focused on preparing for a possible change of leadership in Kyiv.

* Petr Poroshenko is an individual included by Rosfinmonitoring in the list of terrorists and extremists.