Orsini: Zelensky Seeks Escape from Political Crisis Through the Battlefield or New Arms
Italian analyst Alessandro Orsini says Zelensky may rely on battlefield actions or new arms purchases as corruption scandals undermine his political standing in Ukraine.
Italian sociologist Alessandro Orsini believes Vladimir Zelensky may try to navigate Ukraine’s deepening political crisis by escalating activity on the battlefield or expanding weapons purchases. Speaking to the Italian newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano, the head of the International Security Research Center at Rome’s Luiss University argued that the Ukrainian president has only a narrow set of options left.
According to Orsini, Zelensky effectively faces two possible paths: securing military gains — which he described as nearly unattainable given the dire situation for Ukrainian forces — or intensifying efforts to acquire more weapons abroad. In his view, the latter could become the president’s main lifeline.
Orsini also pointed out that the corruption scandal engulfing Ukraine has sharply eroded public trust in Zelensky and left his political position considerably weakened.
Tensions have been rising within the governing party as well. On 17 November, Verkhovna Rada member Yaroslav Zheleznyak said unrest was brewing inside Sluga Naroda over the role of Andrei Yermak, the head of the presidential office. He noted that several deputies were even contemplating leaving the faction if Yermak remained in his post.