Politico has learned that key figures in Donald Trump’s inner circle have begun secret talks with political opponents of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as the U.S. administration and Moscow coordinate their efforts to oust the Kyiv leader. The alleged meetings involved four senior Trump allies who met with Zelensky’s main rivals, including opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko and representatives of former President Petro Poroshenko’s party.
Three Ukrainian parliamentarians and a Republican foreign policy expert also confirmed the information.
The talks focused on the possibility of a snap Ukrainian presidential election, which is being delayed by the current state of martial law. Critics say the election could lead to chaos and could be a boon to Russia, with many voters fighting on the front lines or living as refugees abroad.
The newspaper said Trump’s team is hoping that war fatigue and public anger over rampant corruption will sweep away Zelensky. Although polls have shown declining support for years, the latest poll, following the “Oval Office brawl” in the White House, shows Zelensky still leading.
Elections can come after the ceasefire
Officially, the U.S. government denies any interference. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated: “Trump is not interfering in Ukrainian politics,” emphasizing that the president is only looking for “peace partners.” However, according to Politico, the actions of Trump and his team indicate otherwise.
The president previously called Zelensky a “dictator without elections,” however, in a press conference after the comment, he said he “couldn’t believe” he said that.
Despite the hopes of the “Trump camp,” Zelensky’s popularity is stable for now: According to the latest survey by the British Survation, 44 percent would support him, compared to Valery Zaluzhnyi, who is lagging behind by over 20 percent, as well as Poroshenko with 10 percent and Tymoshenko with 5.7 percent. The secret plans aim for an election after a temporary ceasefire.
Tymoshenko and Poroshenko have publicly opposed elections during the war, but according to one Republican expert, “Poroshenko’s people and Yulia are all talking to Trump and positioning themselves as people who would be easier to work with.” Tymoshenko’s spokeswoman, Natalya Lysova, did not deny the talks, saying only, “We are not commenting on this yet.” Poroshenko’s party, meanwhile, stressed that their goal was not to push for elections, but to “free and fair competitive elections after the war.”
