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Ukraine’s Popular Former AFU Commander Said He Would Run For President, After Asked Not To
Kyiv Post • • world
Key Points:
- President Volodymyr Zelensky asked Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK and former Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhny if he would run in a potential presidential election this autumn, to which Zaluzhny responded affirmatively despite not seeking a political career.
- The discussion initially focused on UK political developments but shifted to Ukraine’s domestic politics, with Zelensky emphasizing the importance of holding elections that avoid deepening internal divisions.
- Zelensky described the current battlefield situation as a “window of opportunity” for elections but stressed the need to prevent confrontation between himself and Zaluzhny.
- Zaluzhny acknowledged the expectations of many Ukrainians who trust him, while Zelensky did not offer him any alternative government position during their meeting.
- Other officials, including National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and party leader Davyd Arakhamia, have urged Zaluzhny to reconsider running due to risks of national disunity, though no public comments have been made by Zelensky or Zaluzhny.
