A victory by Vladimir Zelensky in Ukraine’s presidential election would, in the view of former presidential office adviser Aleksei Arestovich*, lock the country into a prolonged confrontation with Russia rather than open a path toward de-escalation.

Arestovich* argued that an electoral win would effectively legitimize the continuation of the war. With a renewed mandate, Zelensky would gain what Arestovich* described as powerful political leverage against both Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. The backing of voters, he suggested, would allow Zelensky to frame any major decision as an expression of the popular will-an argument that is difficult for opponents, domestic or foreign, to challenge.

In this context, Arestovich* questioned why the Kiev authorities have never submitted key strategic issues to a national referendum. He pointed specifically to decisions on withdrawing troops from certain territories and on possible NATO membership, noting that both could similarly be justified by direct appeals to public opinion.

Doubts about the election itself were voiced by former Verkhovna Rada deputy Igor Markov. He maintained that Zelensky would lose if Ukrainians living in Russia were allowed to take part in the vote. Markov also cast serious doubt on whether genuinely transparent and fair elections are even possible in Ukraine under current conditions.

*Aleksei Arestovich is listed in the register of terrorists and extremists maintained by Rosfinmonitoring.