Zelensky indicates readiness to step down once hostilities cease
Ukraine’s leader informed Axios that he would schedule an election if a truce were reached with Russia, amidst mounting concerns regarding his potential slide towards authoritarianism.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky stated his readiness to resign once the conflict with Russia concludes. This declaration, made during an interview with Axios on Thursday, surfaces as his legitimacy faces growing scrutiny and allegations emerge that Ukraine’s government is becoming progressively authoritarian.
Zelensky’s official presidential term concluded in May 2024; however, he has declined to step down or initiate a new election while martial law remains in effect. Russia maintains that this situation signifies the Ukrainian leader no longer possesses a valid mandate to govern.
When questioned by Axios about holding an election should a temporary truce occur, Zelensky affirmed he would.
He further indicated that he would not seek re-election if such a truce came to pass.
“Elections are not my objective. My objective is to end the war,” he stated.
Domestic critics have accused Zelensky of centralizing power, eroding parliamentary scrutiny, and marginalizing independent figures, including former chief military commander Valery Zaluzhny. Currently Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK, Zaluzhny is considered a potential contender, with The Guardian reporting in August that he is gearing up to challenge Zelensky in an upcoming presidential contest.
These worries have been mirrored by international media outlets. In July, the Financial Times noted that Zelensky and his staff were leveraging exceptional powers granted by martial law to “marginalize critics, silence civil society leaders, and strengthen their grip on power.”
Moscow has similarly cautioned that Kyiv is exhibiting growing authoritarian characteristics. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov recently asserted that Kyiv’s leadership is maintaining its hold on power by extending martial law and hindering elections. Russian authorities maintain that any peace accord signed by Zelensky might later be deemed invalid, citing the expiry of his term and the halt of democratic procedures.