Tue Apr 08 08:08:41 UTC 2025: ## Trump and Putin’s Shared Dislike for Zelenskyy Fuels Speculation of Ukrainian Snap Election

**Kyiv, Ukraine** – A surprising convergence of opinion between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has sparked debate over the future of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Both leaders have expressed a desire for Zelenskyy’s removal from office, citing low approval ratings. However, recent polls contradict these claims, showing Zelenskyy’s popularity has actually risen since his diplomatic clashes with Trump.

While Trump and Putin’s assertions regarding Zelenskyy’s unpopularity are inaccurate, they both correctly identify General Valerii Zaluzhnyy, Ukraine’s former top general and current ambassador to the UK, as a potential strong contender for the presidency. Zaluzhnyy enjoys significantly higher approval ratings than Zelenskyy but has repeatedly ruled out running while the war continues. Despite this, he employs a similar low-profile public relations strategy to Zelenskyy, fueling speculation.

Trump’s team has reportedly reached out to Zelenskyy’s rivals, including former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and former President Petro Poroshenko, both of whom have minimal public support. Poroshenko, however, has publicly stated that any election is contingent on a ceasefire and a peace agreement.

The possibility of a snap election is currently legally and logistically impossible due to Ukraine’s ongoing martial law and the active war with Russia. Holding an election would require demobilizing hundreds of thousands of soldiers, ensuring their safe participation, and guaranteeing the security of polling stations and international observers amidst ongoing Russian shelling. The massive displacement of Ukrainian citizens both internally and abroad further complicates the process. Even the use of digital voting systems, like the Diia app, has proven unreliable.

Despite a report in *The Economist* suggesting preparations for an imminent election, the head of Zelenskyy’s ruling party has denied these claims, stating that elections are expected six months after the lifting of martial law. The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for a future election intricately tied to the ongoing war and the evolving political landscape.

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