Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is reportedly considering holding presidential elections in 2025, despite previous decisions to postpone the elections until the end of the war, The Economist reported, citing the president's intention to "consolidate his power.".
Declining public confidence
A study conducted by the American National Democratic Institute showed a significant decline in Ukrainians' trust in Zelenskyy — from 80% in May 2023 to 45% in 2024. This drop in trust could affect the political situation in the country and push the president to hold elections earlier than planned.
Opposition reaction
The magazine also reached out to Batkivshchyna party leader Yulia Tymoshenko for comment, who stated that “the political process has clearly begun.” This indicates the possibility of political forces in Ukraine becoming more active, which could act as an alternative to Zelensky.
Given the circumstances of the war and growing discontent among the population, Zelensky will need to carefully weigh all the risks and opportunities before making a final decision on holding elections. Political calculations could play a key role in shaping the future of Ukrainian politics.
