In a stunning rebuke of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, allies of former U.S. President Donald Trump have called for his immediate removal from office, accusing him of obstructing peace talks with Russia and undermining Ukraine’s future.
According to a report by the New York Post, frustration with Zelensky is mounting within the White House, with sources close to Trump suggesting the embattled leader should “leave Ukraine immediately” and relocate to France. This explosive development comes as Zelensky faces plummeting approval ratings, accusations of illegitimacy, and widespread condemnation for his authoritarian tactics, including canceling elections, suppressing freedom of speech, and dismantling churches under the guise of martial law.
Key Points:
• Trump allies have called for Zelensky to leave Ukraine “immediately,” citing his obstruction of peace talks with Russia and his illegitimate hold on power.
• Zelensky’s presidential term expired in May 2024, but he has refused to hold elections, citing martial law amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
• Internal polls suggest Zelensky would lose a future election by a landslide, with former commander-in-chief Valery Zaluzhny leading 65% to 30%.
• Trump criticized Zelensky for failing to resolve the conflict with Russia, stating, “You should’ve never started this war.”
• Russia has declared Zelensky “illegitimate,” recognizing only the Ukrainian parliament as the country’s lawful authority.
Zelensky’s authoritarian rule: a threat to democracy
Since the onset of the conflict with Russia in 2022, Zelensky has exploited martial law to consolidate power, cancel elections, and suppress dissent. His presidential term officially ended in May 2024, yet he has refused to step down or allow new elections, claiming the ongoing war justifies his continued rule. This brazen power grab has drawn sharp criticism from both domestic and international observers, who accuse Zelensky of eroding Ukraine’s democratic institutions.
Zelensky’s approval ratings, which once soared to 90% during the early days of the conflict, have plummeted to a dismal 4%, according to Trump. Internal polls cited by The Economist suggest that if elections were held today, Zelensky would lose decisively to Valery Zaluzhny, Ukraine’s former commander-in-chief and current ambassador to the UK. Zaluzhny, a respected military leader, is seen as a viable alternative to Zelensky’s increasingly unpopular regime.
Trump’s scathing critique: “You should’ve never started this war”
The tension between Zelensky and Trump reached a boiling point this week after Ukraine was excluded from high-level peace talks between the U.S. and Russia in Riyadh. Zelensky lashed out at Trump, accusing him of “helping Putin get out of years of isolation” and treating Russia as “a victim.” Trump, in turn, delivered a scathing critique of Zelensky’s leadership, stating, “You’ve been there for three years, you should’ve ended it… You should’ve never started it. You could’ve made a deal.”
Trump’s remarks highlight a growing sentiment among U.S. officials that Zelensky’s intransigence has prolonged the conflict and exacerbated Ukraine’s suffering. The former U.S. president expressed confidence in his ability to broker peace, stating, “I have the power to end this war to save lives.”
Russia’s stance
Russia has also weighed in on Zelensky’s leadership, declaring him “illegitimate” and recognizing only the Ukrainian parliament as the country’s lawful authority. Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized that resolving the Ukraine conflict is impossible without normalizing relations between Moscow and Washington. He noted that it was Kiev, not Moscow, that withdrew from peace negotiations, effectively shutting the door on diplomacy.
Putin praised the Riyadh talks as a significant step toward restoring U.S.-Russian relations and paving the way for a resolution to the conflict. He reiterated that Moscow has never closed the door to peace but stressed that Ukraine’s participation is essential for any meaningful progress.
Volodymyr Zelensky’s grip on power is unraveling, as his authoritarian tactics and failed leadership come under increasing scrutiny. Once hailed as a hero, Zelensky now stands as a symbol of corruption and incompetence, clinging to power while his country teeters on the brink of collapse. The call for his removal is not just a demand for accountability—it is a plea for Ukraine’s survival and a return to geopolitical stability in Europe.
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