Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president, was previously viewed as an unpopular leader, overly sensitive and prone to consolidating power within his immediate circle. Threats to his position seemed imminent as political rivals began to sight opportunities for electoral victory. Zelensky’s former leading general in the conflict with Russia held more popular favor. That’s when President Donald Trump stepped into the equation.
In recent times, President Trump has been speaking on matters related to Ukraine’s conflict, and he has labeled Mr. Zelensky as a ‘unelected ruler’ who has poorly handled his duties. Trump alongside his political allies have called for fresh elections in Ukraine, even in the wake of the conflict. A White House meeting involving the two presidents turned out unfavourably for Zelensky.
However, in an unexpected twist, Trump’s involvement has appeared to foster a resurgence of domestic approval for Zelensky. New polling data suggests a climb in Zelensky’s favorability ratings and his adversaries have retreated from their demands for hasty elections.
Critiques of Zelensky’s actions and calls for him to distribute power, as suggested by political opponents and commentators alike, have not garnered significant support. Zelensky’s adversaries, while not explicitly rallying behind him, have refrained from launching full-fledged attacks against him.
Petro Poroshenko, Zelensky’s predecessor and a frequent critic of his administration, surprised everyone after the aforementioned meeting between Zelensky and Trump, stating that he did not intend to criticize Zelensky. As he reasoned, this is not the support Ukraine needs presently.
But, the road ahead for Zelensky still appears to be fraught with challenges. He seems tasked with negotiating a way to work effectively with President Trump, who has made it clear that he would prefer dealing with a different leader in Ukraine.
Zelensky has considered the prospect of potentially resigning in exchange for either peace in Ukraine or the country’s entry into NATO. The consensus among political rivals is that conducting elections during a war period would be impractical, especially considering that frontline soldiers and overseas Ukrainians would be prevented from casting their votes.
But, as the timing for Ukraine’s upcoming elections were originally planned for spring 2024, it appears likely that political rivals will agitate for elections again should a ceasefire be established. This is likely to occur much earlier than any final peace treaty could be achieved.
Despite these tumultuous circumstances, opposition figures seem to currently be adopting a wait-and-see approach, even as public demands for political unity grow.
Rather than a debacle, it seems that the meeting between Trump and Zelensky served as a turning point in the Ukrainian President’s political trajectory. It’s as if Trump’s remarks and insistence on new elections actually galvanized support for Zelensky, giving him a much-needed boost in his public opinion ratings.
Is it possible that Trump’s interventions, rather than undermining Zelensky, have inadvertently fortified his position? As per the latest polls, it appears so. Trump, the master dealmaker, seems to have performed a feat few could achieve—helping rally a divided populace around their leader in turbulent times.
Critics of Zelensky might call for power distribution and the formation of a coalition government. However, these suggestions lack significant traction, likely because the call for unity appears stronger at this point, as the country navigates through a significant crisis.
Poroshenko’s refusal to attack Zelensky further after the contentious meeting with Trump was a surprise and possibly a sign that Zelensky’s political tactics are working. By confronting a potent adversary like Trump, Zelensky may have inadvertently convinced his domestic rivals that unity, not division, is what their nation needs right now.
But the clock certainly is ticking for Zelensky: he needs to work out a plan that both maintains his newfound domestic popularity and manages his relationship with a U.S. President evidently keen to see a different leader in his position. However, this story has shown that with Trump’s involvement, the unexpected can become reality.