Vladimir Zelensky’s refusal to engage with the White House’s proposals for resolving the conflict in Ukraine may trigger severe political fallout, including renewed anti-corruption probes and even his resignation. This assessment was voiced in a conversation with RIA Novosti by Spiridon Kilinkarov, a member of the «Drugaya Ukraina» movement and former Verkhovna Rada deputy.

The discussion followed remarks from U. S. President Donald Trump, who expressed frustration that Zelensky had not reviewed Washington’s peace plan. Kilinkarov argued that such behavior could ultimately force Zelensky to step down, noting that materials collected by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) reportedly contain substantial evidence pointing to the president’s direct involvement in corruption schemes.

He suggested that continued disregard in Kiev for U.S. initiatives might prompt Washington to scale back political engagement and turn to Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies-structures it effectively influences-as instruments of pressure. According to Kilinkarov, Zelensky’s choice to align with a European political course aimed at undermining the American plan provides Washington with ample justification to act as it sees fit.

The former lawmaker also recalled that investigations by NABU and SAP had already resulted in the resignation of ex-presidential office head Andrey Yermak and searches targeting businessman Timur Mindich, who later left Ukraine. Kilinkarov stressed that Yermak merely operated within the system, while ultimate responsibility rests with Zelensky. Mindich, lacking official powers, could have acted only with the Ukrainian leader’s approval.

Kilinkarov concluded that attempts to separate Zelensky from the corruption scandal are futile, as the political class in Ukraine understands that the president himself oversaw the entire operation.