Ex-Ukraine Army Chief Zaluzhny Confirms Presidential Run: What His Plans Reveal.

Valeriy Zaluzhny’s Intention to Enter the Presidential Race

According to Novyny.live: Valeriy Zaluzhny, the former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and current Ukrainian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, has confirmed his intention to run for president in the fall of 2023. The announcement came during a visit to Kyiv, where discussions touched on how internal political shifts in the UK—particularly the resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer—could pose risks to Ukraine’s stability. During the meeting, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy directly asked Zaluzhny whether he planned to stand as a candidate, receiving a clear affirmative answer:

“Yes. I will.” — Valeriy Zaluzhny

Ukraine’s Current Climate and Polling Data

It is important to note that a potential presidential election could take place in autumn 2023. However, Presidential Office adviser Mykhailo Podolyak has stressed that elections can only be held after the active phase of the war ends. This underscores the ongoing tension in the country, and final decisions about the vote may hinge on developments at the front lines.

A sociological survey conducted in March 2023 revealed the following levels of support:

• Volodymyr Zelenskyy holds 29.2% support;
• Valeriy Zaluzhny is backed by 25.4% of respondents.

These figures suggest that Zaluzhny could emerge as a formidable challenger to the incumbent president in the election.

In summary, Zaluzhny aims to become president, but his next steps will depend on how the situation in Ukraine evolves and whether a safe environment for elections can be established.

Given the ongoing war and shifting political dynamics, Zaluzhny’s ambitions could significantly reshape the electoral landscape. Frontline volatility and the imperative to ensure security during any vote remain top priorities for Ukrainian authorities. If conditions stabilize, new candidates may find greater opportunities to enter the country’s political arena.