It said the goal of these talks appears to be undermining Zelensky’s leadership and potentially removing him from office.
Trump aides meet with Ukrainian opposition figures
According to Politico, four senior Trump aides have met with key Ukrainian opposition figures, including former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko and members of Petro Poroshenko’s party.
They discussed the possibility of holding early presidential elections, which have been delayed due to martial law.
Trump’s team believes Zelensky would lose such an election due to war fatigue and public frustration over corruption.
However, Zelensky still enjoys strong public support, leading his closest rival by a wide margin in recent polls.
Despite official claims that Washington is not interfering in Ukrainian politics, Trump has repeatedly criticized Zelensky, calling him a "dictator without elections."
Trump’s allies are reportedly seeking to influence Ukraine’s political landscape by positioning opposition figures, such as Tymoshenko and Poroshenko, as more willing to cooperate with Washington.
Yulia Tymoshenko, a former prime minister and leader of the Ukrainian opposition, and Petro Poroshenko, leader of Ukraine's European Solidarity party. Photo: Volodymyr Tarasov/PAP/UKRINFORM
Politico reported that several Ukrainian lawmakers are quietly working to gain Trump’s favor as they prepare for potential post-war elections.
Zelensky faces growing political pressure
The growing pressure on Zelensky is worsened by Trump’s decision to pause military aid to Ukraine, which has sparked heightened concerns within the country.
Some Ukrainian leaders, including members of Zelensky’s own party, are signaling a willingness to align more closely with the United States in hopes of securing future support, according to Politico.
Ukrainian public opinion shifts towards peace talks
Meanwhile, public opinion in Ukraine is becoming more divided, Politico said.
While many continue to support the ongoing war effort, a growing number of Ukrainians are backing the idea of peace negotiations, even if they require significant concessions from the Ukrainian government.
Two-thirds of the population are more focused on talks and want the war to end, signaling a shift in public sentiment that could have significant political consequences as the war drags on, Politico reported.
(mp/gs)
Source: Politico/PAP/X/@POLITICOEurope
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