Key allies of US President Donald Trump have suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should step aside if he refuses to negotiate with Russia. The calls for his potential resignation escalated following a tense meeting in Washington, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance reportedly expressed frustration over Zelenskyy’s reluctance to engage in peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
National security adviser Mike Waltz emphasized that any realistic negotiation would require territorial concessions from Ukraine and suggested that Zelenskyy’s continued leadership could be an obstacle to ending the war. House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed this sentiment, saying, “Either he needs to come to his senses and come back to the table in gratitude, or someone else needs to lead the country.”
Amid this pressure, Zelenskyy told British media that replacing him would not be simple. “It’s not enough to just hold an election. You need to also not let me run. This will be a bit more difficult. Looks like you will have to negotiate with me,” he said. He reiterated that he was willing to step down in exchange for NATO membership for Ukraine, stating, “Then I fulfilled my mission.”
Why it matters
A forced or voluntary exit by Zelenskyy would represent a major turning point in the war, potentially shifting Ukraine’s political landscape and opening the door to negotiations. While some believe that a new leader could facilitate peace, others warn that removing Zelenskyy might weaken Ukraine’s resistance and embolden Russia.
The shifting US stance could also impact relations with European allies, many of whom remain firmly committed to Ukraine’s defense. Republican calls for Zelenskyy’s resignation could create fractures within the Western alliance, particularly as European leaders have publicly rallied behind him in recent days.
Between the lines: Who could replace Zelenskyy?
As per a Newsweek report, if Zelenskyy were to leave office, whether voluntarily or under pressure, several figures could emerge as potential successors:
Vitali Klitschko – The mayor of Kyiv and former heavyweight boxing champion has been a vocal defender of Ukraine’s sovereignty and has gained recognition for his leadership during Russian attacks on the capital.
Valeriy Zaluzhnyi – Known as the “Iron General,” Zaluzhnyi played a critical role in Ukraine’s battlefield successes and enjoys widespread support from the military and parts of the public.
Oleksii Arestovych – A former presidential advisor, Arestovych has openly stated his willingness to run for office if Zelenskyy does not seek re-election. His background in military strategy and communication has made him a prominent political figure.
Ruslan Stefanchuk – As the Speaker of Ukraine’s Parliament, Stefanchuk holds a senior government position and could be a natural choice for leadership, though his close ties to Zelenskyy could be a factor in any potential transition.
What they are saying
The suggestion that Zelenskyy should step down has sparked sharp reactions from US and international leaders:
Senator Bernie Sanders condemned the idea, calling it “a horrific idea” and warning that Ukraine’s democracy should not be dictated by foreign influence.
Senator Lisa Murkowski expressed concerns that US pressure on Zelenskyy could align more closely with Russian interests, potentially harming America’s credibility on the global stage.
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy accused the Trump administration of aligning itself with authoritarian regimes, saying, “The White House has become an arm of the Kremlin.”
What’s next
Should Zelenskyy step down or be forced out, Ukraine will face several pressing challenges:
Holding elections during war – Conducting a fair election amidst active conflict raises major concerns about security and legitimacy.
Policy shifts – A new leader might adopt a different approach to negotiations, potentially altering Ukraine’s overall war strategy.
International support – Leadership changes could impact Ukraine’s relationships with key allies, particularly the US, EU, and Nato. The level of Western military and financial aid could depend on the policies of the new government.
Meanwhile, Trump has downplayed concerns about his shifting stance toward Russia. “We should spend less time worrying about Putin, and more time worrying about migrant rape gangs, drug lords, murderers, and people from mental institutions entering our Country,” he posted on Truth Social.
(With inputs from agencies)