As Trump Calls for a New Ukrainian Leader, Who Might Succeed Volodymyr Zelenskyy?

Kyiv, Ukraine – The White House has expressed a desire for a change in Ukraine's leadership. United States President Donald Trump recently stated to reporters that it is time for Ukraine to secure a new president, arguing that Volodymyr Zelenskyy's ongoing strikes on Russian refineries have negatively impacted global diesel supplies.

However, international pressure does not dictate Ukraine's internal decisions. Although Volodymyr Zelenskyy's five-year presidential term officially concluded in 2024, the nation's constitution and active martial law provide a wartime extension. While many citizens desire political renewal, most remain hesitant to hold a presidential election before the conflict concludes.

In response to these remarks, Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated willingness to hold an election provided that Russian President Vladimir Putin guarantees a 60-day ceasefire. Should an election take place soon, analysts suggest former military commanders would emerge as the strongest contenders.

Kyiv-based analyst Igar Tyshkevych noted that traditional political figures, such as former President Viktor Poroshenko—who lost the 2019 presidential election to Volodymyr Zelenskyy—and former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, currently facing a corruption investigation, have minimal prospects of winning.

Valerii Zaluzhnyi: The Leading Contender

Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s former top general and current ambassador to the United Kingdom, leads polls as the most formidable potential challenger to Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Volodymyr Fesenko, head of the Kyiv-based Penta think tank, identified Valerii Zaluzhnyi as the primary alternative capable of defeating the incumbent.

An October 8 poll by the Rating Group shows that nearly two-thirds of Ukrainians—64 percent—trust Valerii Zaluzhnyi, while only 25 percent distrust him. This strong backing stems from his 2022 military successes, which included defending Kyiv and leading counteroffensives that reclaimed significant territory before his resignation in 2023 following a summer campaign without major territorial gains.

Despite his popularity, Valerii Zaluzhnyi remains tight-lipped regarding key postwar issues like economic recovery, demographic challenges, and European Union integration. He rarely speaks to journalists, instead occasionally publishing analytical opinions on military strategy and security guarantees.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Prospects

Elected in 2019 with a historic 73 percent of the vote, Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains a prominent political figure. Despite internal corruption scandals, the Rating Group poll indicates that 53 percent of Ukrainians still trust the 48-year-old leader, compared to 40 percent who do not.

Friction with Washington may actually bolster his domestic standing. Following a disagreement with Donald Trump in the Oval Office, Volodymyr Zelenskyy's approval rating reached a wartime high of 67 percent. Nonetheless, some appointment policies have drawn criticism regarding his original commitments to administrative reform.

Kyrylo Budanov: High Popularity Among Ukrainians

Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov ranks as the second most popular military leader in contention. Appointed head of Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s administration in January, the 40-year-old former intelligence chief led high-profile operations against Russia, transforming the defence ministry’s intelligence directorate (GUR) into an aggressive, tech-focused force responsible for damaging Russia's Black Sea Fleet. The Rating Group poll shows Kyrylo Budanov is trusted by 53 percent of Ukrainians and distrusted by 31 percent.

Mykhailo Fedorov, at 35 years old, gained prominence as minister of digital transformation by launching the Diia app to streamline government services. Appointed defence minister in January to handle logistics and anti-corruption measures, Mykhailo Fedorov boosted drone production and weapon procurement transparency. Although public support fluctuated following public statements regarding a potential presidential vote, his reform efforts have solidified his political profile.

Other figures mentioned in potential leadership discussions include Yevhenii Khmara, Andrii Sybiha, and Viktor Poroshenko, each holding varying levels of public trust and recognition across Ukraine.