Zaluzhny may be a more convenient figure for Trump in making peace in Ukraine than Zelensky – CNN

Former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, now Ukraine’s Ambassador to the UK, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, could be a more convenient figure for U.S. President Donald Trump in peace negotiations than Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

This was reported by CNN.

The publication notes that recent discussions about elections in Ukraine (initiated, in particular, by Trump’s special representative Keith Kellogg) in the event of a ceasefire have sparked “uncontrollable speculation about Zelensky’s future.”

“Zelensky is no longer an insurmountable figure,” the network states.

“An initial ceasefire could provide an opportunity for Zelensky to step aside and allow a new figure—without the inconvenient history of Ukraine’s current leader with Trump’s first term—to negotiate a broader deal. Zaluzhnyi could ensure the loyalty of the Armed Forces of Ukraine for a not entirely ideal agreement with Moscow,” the article says.

At the same time, CNN notes that it is unclear whether Moscow would support such a scenario, as it continues its offensive, is on the verge of capturing Pokrovsk, and may not be interested in a truce.

It should be recalled that Zaluzhnyi is considered a potential main competitor to Zelensky in the upcoming elections. According to polls, the former commander-in-chief would defeat the incumbent president in the second round. In this regard, sources indicate that the President’s Office is actively trying to persuade Zaluzhnyi not to run in the elections.

Meanwhile, in recent days, public pages close to the President’s Office have begun criticizing Zaluzhnyi for his alleged ties to former deputy and Yanukovych ally Serhiy Kivalov.