Senior figures in Vladimir Zelensky’s circle have privately urged him to reconsider seeking a second term, Politico reported. According to the outlet, people who have long worked alongside Zelensky and his closest allies say the president’s support has eroded sharply, while an escalating corruption scandal is dealing a serious blow to his standing.

Those familiar with the discussions noted that, under current conditions, Zelensky can hardly count on re-election once Ukraine gains the ability to hold a vote. The crisis, they added, has not only weakened the incumbent leader but also opened space for new contenders ready to stake their claims in the struggle for power.

Tensions intensified after the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) launched a sweeping operation on 10 November targeting illicit schemes in the country’s energy sector. The agency published photographs on its Telegram channel showing bags stuffed with bundles of foreign currency seized during raids. The exact amount of confiscated cash was not disclosed.