- Senior Trump administration officials reportedly discussed potential leadership changes in Ukraine with figures like Yulia Tymoshenko and Petro Poroshenko’s party.
- Talks focused on holding elections in Ukraine, which Zelensky opposes due to wartime conditions and constitutional restrictions.
- Trump has publicly criticized Zelensky, calling him a “dictator” and suggesting he may not remain in power if he resists peace negotiations with Russia.
- The discussions highlight tensions between U.S. influence and Ukrainian sovereignty, with some fearing a leadership shift could weaken Ukraine’s resistance.
Senior members of President Donald Trump’s administration have reportedly engaged in discussions with Ukrainian political figures opposed to President Volodymyr Zelensky, raising questions about potential leadership changes in Kyiv.
These talks, which allegedly involved figures like former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and members of ex-President Petro Poroshenko’s party, centered on the possibility of Ukraine holding elections—a move Zelensky has resisted since Russia’s 2022 invasion. The discussions come amid growing tensions between Trump and Zelensky, with the U.S. president labeling Zelensky a “dictator” and suggesting he “won’t be around for very long” if he refuses to negotiate peace with Russia.
The reported meetings, confirmed by Ukrainian parliamentarians and a U.S. Republican foreign policy expert, highlight a potential shift in U.S. policy toward Ukraine. While Trump officials deny direct interference in Ukrainian politics, their actions suggest a push for a leadership more aligned with Washington’s vision for ending the war.
Elections amid war are a divisive issue
Ukraine’s constitution prohibits elections under martial law, a provision Zelensky has cited to justify delaying a vote. Critics argue that holding elections during wartime would be chaotic, with millions of Ukrainians displaced or serving on the front lines. However, Trump allies reportedly believe Zelensky’s declining popularity and public frustration over corruption and war fatigue could make him vulnerable in a vote.
“They’re all talking to Trump World, positioning themselves as people who would be easier to work with,” a Republican foreign policy expert told the media, speaking on condition of anonymity. “And people who would consent to many of the things that Zelensky is not agreeing to.”
Tymoshenko and Poroshenko, both of whom have publicly opposed holding elections during the war, have reportedly engaged in back-channel discussions with Trump’s team. Tymoshenko’s spokesperson, Natalya Lysova, declined to comment on the talks, while Poroshenko’s party emphasized its focus on securing “free and fair competitive post-war elections.”
Trump’s growing criticism of Zelensky
Trump’s frustration with Zelensky has been increasingly public. In February, he called Zelensky a “dictator without elections,” a claim echoed by some of his allies, including Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Trump’s criticism escalated after a contentious White House meeting last week, during which he berated Zelensky and later suspended military aid to Ukraine.
“If we can nail down these negotiations and move towards these negotiations and put confidence-building measures on the table, the president will take a hard look at lifting this pause,” National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said, hinting at the conditions for restoring U.S. support.
Despite Trump’s pressure, Zelensky remains Ukraine’s most popular political figure, with a 44% approval rating, according to recent polls. His nearest rival, former army commander Valerii Zaluzhny, trails by more than 20 percentage points. Meanwhile, Tymoshenko and Poroshenko poll at just 5.7% and 10%, respectively.
Ukrainian officials have warned that holding elections during the war could destabilize the country and play into Russia’s hands. “Putin wants to weaken Ukraine from within,” said Oleksandr Merezhko, chair of the Ukrainian parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee. “An election campaign during times of war will be destructive for our unity and stability.”
As Trump’s allies reportedly explore alternatives to Zelensky, the situation underscores the delicate balance between U.S. influence and Ukrainian sovereignty. While some in Washington see a leadership change as a path to peace, others warn that such moves could undermine Ukraine’s resistance and embolden Russia. For now, Zelensky remains steadfast, vowing to continue his fight for Ukraine’s survival—with or without U.S. support.
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