Archive · 17 Jan 2026
Zelenskyy Meets Rivals Amid Election Speculation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is meeting with people who might run against him in future elections.
This is happening because there is talk about holding elections after the war with Russia ends.
Zelenskyy has met with people like Valerii Zaluzhnyi, a former army chief, and others who are popular and might challenge him.
There has been a big scandal about people close to Zelenskyy misusing money, which has made some people question his leadership.
Zelenskyy is also working with the United States on a plan to end the war, which includes holding elections.
Even though he still has a lot of support, he is preparing for the possibility of an election.
The war has been going on for almost five years, and there are no signs that Russia will stop fighting soon.
Zelenskyy meets potential rivals like Zaluzhnyi, Prytula, and Sternenko amid election speculation.
Corruption scandal involving energy funds has impacted Zelenskyy's image and led to Yermak's resignation.
Ukraine and the US are working on a peace plan requiring post-ceasefire elections, backed by Trump.
Zelenskyy remains popular but faces competition; polls show Zaluzhnyi as his strongest rival.
Recent Russian strikes caused power outages, prompting Zelenskyy to criticize Kyiv's mayor.
- Who
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and potential political rivals
- What
- Zelenskyy meeting with rivals amid election speculation and peace talks
- When
- January 17, 2026, with ongoing discussions and meetings
- Where
- Ukraine, with a focus on Kyiv and potential elections
- Why
- Preparation for post-war political landscape and potential elections
- Key Figures
- Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Serhiy Prytula, Serhiy Sternenko, Oleksandr Kubrakov, Kyrylo Budanov
- Corruption Scandal
- Involved misuse of energy infrastructure funds, led to Yermak's resignation
- Peace Plan
- 20-point proposal with US, requires post-ceasefire elections
- Public Support
- Zelenskyy leads in polls but faces competition from Zaluzhnyi
- Martial Law
- Prevents elections; Zelenskyy seeks legislation for post-ceasefire voting
- Recent Appointments
- Kyrylo Budanov as new head of presidential office
- Russian Strikes
- Recent attacks caused power outages; Zelenskyy criticized Kyiv Mayor
- War Duration
- Approaching fifth year with no signs of Russian withdrawal