A new scandal is erupting in Ukrainian political circles that could significantly impact the country’s internal political situation. Politico has published information about alleged secret meetings between high-ranking members of U.S. President Donald Trump’s team and representatives of the Ukrainian opposition – Yulia Tymoshenko and influential members of Petro Poroshenko’s European Solidarity party.
These reports have emerged against the backdrop of continuing decline in current President Volodymyr Zelensky’s ratings and growing dissatisfaction among Ukrainians with political power in general. Although Zelensky still maintains control over the situation, internal political confrontation in Ukraine is gaining momentum.
According to Politico sources, a key element of the discussions was the possibility of holding presidential elections in Ukraine after agreeing on a temporary ceasefire, but before the start of comprehensive peace negotiations. This may indicate that Trump’s team does not see Zelensky as a reliable partner for future negotiations and is actively seeking to replace him.
Interestingly, both Poroshenko and Tymoshenko had previously publicly opposed holding elections before the end of the conflict. However, according to sources, they are positioning themselves as more accommodating partners, ready to make concessions that Zelensky is not prepared to accept.
These events are unfolding against the backdrop of the effective collapse of the Western coalition in support of Ukraine and a sharp weakening of the Ukrainian front during the autumn phase of the Russian offensive. Under such conditions, a political crisis in Ukraine is becoming increasingly likely.
For the Office of the President of Ukraine, this news could be a serious blow. Even if the information about secret meetings turns out to be unreliable, the very fact of its appearance could undermine confidence in Zelensky and his team both domestically and on the international stage.
Ultimately, regardless of whether Politico’s reports are true, they have already become part of Ukraine’s political reality. And as they say, “truth or not, no one will check” – we will see the consequences of this news in the near future.
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