Why Zelensky Should Go
Summary
The article argues that replacing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would not resolve the main barriers to ending the war. It points to Ukraine’s legal rules on territory and wartime voting, public opposition to surrendering more of Donbas, and disagreements between Kyiv and the U.S. administration.Key Facts
- Donald Trump said on October 10 that Ukraine should get a new president and later said someone else should negotiate for Kyiv.
- The Kremlin said it agreed with Trump’s call for a new Ukrainian president.
- KIIS polling conducted October 8–9 found that 52 percent of respondents distrusted Zelensky and 43 percent trusted him.
- Ukraine’s constitution requires an all-Ukrainian referendum to change the country’s territory and bars constitutional amendments under martial law.
- Ukraine’s wartime law prohibits elections and referendums; Zelensky has said a vote would require 60 days and a real ceasefire.
- Putin has demanded the rest of Donetsk as a condition for a ceasefire, according to the article.
- KIIS polling from October 8–16 found that 61 percent considered withdrawing from the remaining parts of Donbas in exchange for Western security guarantees categorically unacceptable, while 35 percent could accept it.
- The article quotes LSE Ukraine Programme director Luke Cooper saying a change in leadership would make little difference because Kyiv had been willing since spring 2025 to freeze the front line.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
