In a major political development reported on July 1, 2026, former Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhny has directly told President Volodymyr Zelensky that he will challenge him in the next presidential election if it takes place this autumn.
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According to sources cited by RT and Ukrainskaya Pravda, Zaluzhny — currently serving as Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK — was summoned to Kyiv. During the meeting Zelensky asked whether Zaluzhny would run in an autumn vote. Zaluzhny replied: “Yes, I will.” He also declined offers of other high posts, stating he could not betray the trust of the Ukrainian people. Zelensky described the current battlefield situation as creating “a window of opportunity” for elections but warned they must not divide the country.
A closed poll shows Zelensky at 33% support, Zaluzhny at 22%, and Zelensky ally Kyrylo Budanov at 14%. In a runoff, Zaluzhny leads Zelensky 37% to 32%. Zelensky’s term expired in May 2024 under martial law imposed after the 2022 escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The United States, including public comments from President Trump, has repeatedly called for elections.
This latest confirmation builds on earlier 2026 analyses from The Conversation and Carnegie Endowment, which already identified Zaluzhny as the most credible potential rival due to his consistently high public trust ratings.
Stay ahead of these fast-moving developments that could reshape Ukraine’s political landscape and peace prospects.
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RT reports: Former top Ukrainian General Valery Zaluzhny has told Vladimir Zelensky he will challenge him in the next presidential election, with current polling suggesting he would win in a run-off, Ukrainskaya Pravda reported on Wednesday, citing sources. Zelensky’s presidential term expired more than two years ago, and he has since been reluctant to hold a new election despite repeated calls from the US.
Zaluzhny, now ambassador to the UK, was summoned back to Kiev last week – officially to discuss the political turmoil in London, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that he would soon step down. The real reason, the outlet said, was Zelensky’s concern that Zaluzhny will run for president.
In a one-on-one meeting, Zelensky told the former commander that the current battlefield situation has created a “window of opportunity” for an election, but warned that it has to be held in a way that will not divide the country.
Zelensky reportedly asked Zaluzhny: “If elections are held in autumn, will you run?” Zaluzhny replied, “Yes, I will.”
Zelensky did not offer his rival any posts, Ukrainskaya Pravda said – though sources in government circles claimed that the Ukrainian leader was ready to discuss almost any post, including prime minister. Zaluzhny reportedly said that while he has never sought a political career, he could not betray the trust of the Ukrainian people who are counting on him.
Several top Zelensky allies later tried to sway Zaluzhny, without success. As the talks broke down, one negotiator reportedly told Zaluzhny: “Bro, think it over again.”
Zaluzhny was dismissed as army commander-in-chief in February 2024 and was sent off to London to serve as ambassador – a move widely seen as an attempt by Zelensky to sideline a potential rival. Zaluzhny has since consistently topped Zelensky in trust ratings. Though he insists that he has no political ambitions, media reports suggest that he is gearing up for a presidential run.
A closed poll cited by Ukrainskaya Pravda puts Zelensky first with 33% support, ahead of Zaluzhny with 22% and top Zelensky aide Kirill Budanov with 14%. In a run-off, however, Zaluzhny would defeat Zelensky 37% to 32%, and narrowly defeat Budanov 34% to 32%.
Zelensky’s presidential term expired in May 2024. He has refused to call a new election, citing martial law, which was imposed after the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in early 2022. Moscow has since declared him illegitimate and argues that his dubious legal status as leader is an obstacle to signing a peace agreement.
Zelensky has been pressured to hold a new election by US President Donald Trump, who once called him a “dictator without elections.” Zelensky responded by saying he is ready to hold an election, but demanded that Ukraine’s supporters ensure its security.
