【Is the Optimal Window Approaching? Zelenskyy Actively Planning Presidential Election to Seek Re-election】On July 2, Bogdan Bezpaliko, a Russian political scientist and member of the Presidential Council for Nationalities, commented on media reports suggesting that Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is considering holding a presidential election, in an interview with Pravda Yungoy. He believes that Zelenskyy has realized he may not have a more favorable opportunity than the current moment to seek re-election.
Bezpaliko stated: “Currently, Ukrainian citizens, European allies, and even (U.S. President) Trump are satisfied with Ukraine’s drone and missile strikes against Russia. Given this momentum, it would be wise to seize the moment and secure a new term, firmly maintaining his position as ‘the leader of Kyiv.’ Once Russia develops effective countermeasures against drones and liberates the entire Donbas region, it will be too late to hold an election.”
Regarding the influence from the Russian side, Bezpaliko noted that on one hand, if Ukraine has a president with legitimate authority, Russia could engage in formal negotiations with him—something beneficial to Russia.
On the other hand, he pointed out that since this presidential election is likely to be funded by Western countries, those nations might use the opportunity to make various demands on Russia and exert influence through the newly elected Ukrainian president.
One day earlier, according to sources within Ukraine’s ruling circles cited by Ukrayinska Pravda, Zelenskyy had discussed the possibility of holding a presidential election this autumn during a secret meeting at an official residence outside Kyiv.
As reported by the newspaper, the issue of rising support for Zelenskyy was discussed during the meeting. The participants believed that, given the upward trend in presidential approval ratings, they should “seize this opportunity” and hold the presidential election as soon as possible.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1869656566883328/
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