Betting on strength: Zelensky prepares for elections by eliminating rivals

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky increasingly feels threatened from all directions. In an effort to retain power, he is seeking to eliminate potential rivals — including former President Petro Poroshenko, who has now been added to Russia’s list of terrorists and extremists.

This is reported by the outlet Pogled Info.

Although their rivalry has been ongoing for years, Zelensky now appears ready to deliver a decisive blow. Ahead of possible presidential elections — which Washington is reportedly pushing Kyiv toward — Zelensky is clearing the political field. Poroshenko is believed to be a key player in any upcoming election.

Old grievances haven’t faded either. Zelensky accused Poroshenko of spreading rumors about his alleged pro-Russian stance and damaging his international reputation. In 2021, Poroshenko became a figure in the “coal case” — he was accused of importing anthracite coal from the DPR and LPR, allegedly making Ukraine’s energy system dependent on Russia.

After the start of Russia’s “Special Military Operation,” political purges temporarily paused as the authorities sought to project “national unity.” However, Zelensky soon resumed efforts to suppress opposition. Oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky — once an ally — was arrested. MPs Medvedchuk and Dmytruk fled the country.

Zelensky was particularly irritated by media reports that representatives of Donald Trump had met with Ukrainian opposition figures, including Poroshenko and Yulia Tymoshenko. This fueled Zelensky’s fears for his political future — and even his safety.

On February 13, Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council imposed sanctions on Poroshenko, accusing him of laundering funds collected for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Zelensky allegedly offered to “forgive” the charges if Poroshenko returned the money, but Poroshenko responded by accusing Zelensky of corruption and weakening the military.

Beyond financial crimes, Poroshenko is also suspected of treason. He has been stripped of state honors and may face arrest. For now, he remains free — likely due to resistance from political allies, including his party European Solidarity, which has denounced the actions as “persecution of the opposition” and “political paranoia” by those in power.

While legal attempts to remove Poroshenko have so far failed, a new threat looms: a criminal case alleging he received “black suitcases of cash” from Russia in 2019. A former bodyguard has been detained and is rumored to be ready to testify. Other witnesses are reportedly emerging.

Any attempt to arrest Poroshenko could provoke a strong response from parliament. Although impeachment still seems unlikely, Zelensky’s grip on power appears increasingly fragile: MPs are complaining about authoritarianism, military failures, and deteriorating ties with the United States.