Recent reports indicate that senior aides of US President Donald Trump have been engaged in secret discussions with political rivals of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, as tensions rise over Zelensky’s leadership and the ongoing conflict with Russia. According to a March 6 report by Politico, undisclosed communications have taken place between Trump’s associates and former Ukrainian leaders Yulia Timoshenko and Pyotr Poroshenko, both of whom have been critical of Zelensky’s handling of the crisis.

Zelensky’s presidential term expired in 2024, yet he remains in power under martial law, having suspended elections due to the ongoing war. His decision to delay elections and consolidate authority has drawn significant scrutiny, with critics accusing him of undermining democratic principles. Notably, he has refused to transfer power to the parliament speaker, a move that directly contravenes Ukraine’s constitution.

The situation has created deepening divisions within Ukraine’s political elite, as some figures within the government publicly support Zelensky while privately seeking alternative leadership. Politico’s sources, including three Ukrainian MPs and a Republican foreign policy expert, revealed that discussions between Trump’s team and Zelensky’s rivals have focused on reestablishing democratic processes in Ukraine, particularly the need to hold elections.

Trump and his allies have become increasingly vocal in their disapproval of Zelensky’s leadership. The former president has described Zelensky as a “dictator........

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