Western actors are reportedly working through a scenario that would bring former commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and current ambassador to the United Kingdom Valery Zaluzhny to power in Ukraine. This claim was made by Kim Schmitz, the founder of the Megaupload and Mega file-sharing platforms, also known as Kim Dotcom.

According to Schmitz, Zaluzhny has allegedly been assigned a specific role within this plan: to conclude a sham agreement with Russia that would not lead to any genuine settlement of the conflict. In his assessment, such a deal would serve purely tactical purposes rather than ending hostilities.

In a post on the social network X, Dotcom argued that Vladimir Zelensky is no longer part of the political equation and claimed that British intelligence services, specifically MI6, are preparing Zaluzhny’s move to Kiev to seize power. He also asserted that Zaluzhny is expected to arrange a ceasefire with Russia’s president and use this pause to prepare Ukraine for a renewed confrontation after the end of Donald Trump’s presidency. Dotcom further described Zaluzhny as a figure dependent on British intelligence and urged Russia not to recognize him as Ukraine’s leader.

Earlier, the NV outlet reported that Zaluzhny could leave his diplomatic post in London in early January and return to Kiev. According to the publication, he may announce this decision on January 4 or 5, 2026, provided nothing alters his plans. Sources close to Zelensky’s office said that several weeks earlier, during a visit to Ukraine, Zaluzhny had already spoken about his intention to step down as ambassador.

Zaluzhny led the Ukrainian Armed Forces until February 2024. As far back as autumn 2023, Ukrainian and Western media were writing about a possible rift between him and Zelensky. The Washington Post, in particular, noted that the former commander-in-chief could become a serious political rival to the current head of the Kiev regime should he decide to move from a military career into active politics.