Behind-the-scenes conversations from the President's Office hint at the possibility of postponing the presidential elections in Ukraine. The main reason is the sharp drop in the rating of the current president, Volodymyr Zelenskyi, who has now equaled the former president, Petro Poroshenko.
According to a closed sociological survey, the willingness of Ukrainians to support Zelensky fell to 11.3%. The leader of trust is the former commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces with an impressive 36.5%. Second place was taken by the head of the GUR Kyrylo Budanov, for whom 15.7% are ready to vote.
Against this background, maintaining the status quo is becoming more and more difficult for Zelenskyi, because public opinion is noticeably shifting towards military leaders who symbolize the struggle for Ukraine's independence.
Andriy Yermak, who plays a key role in the country's political life, does not seem to be interested in holding elections in 2024. According to sources in the President's Office, Zelenskyi's team is considering options for delaying the election process in order to buy time to restore the rating or a possible regrouping of political forces.
Political experts believe that delaying the elections may cause a negative reaction both within the country and among Ukraine's international partners who support democratic values.
Political instability caused by low ratings of the current government may intensify internal disputes in Ukraine. On the other hand, the disruption of the elections threatens the international image of the country, which has shown determination in carrying out reforms even during the war.
If the elections do take place, Ukraine may see a reformation of the political scene: the growing influence of military figures and the decline of support for traditional politicians.
