Zelenskyy met officials to discuss 2026 elections; Zaluzhnyi reportedly plans to run

Ukrainian media outlet "Ukrainska Pravda," citing informed sources, reports that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a closed-door meeting in mid-June with key figures including the head of his presidential office, Kyrylo Budanov, and Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The discussion centered on the possibility of holding presidential elections in autumn 2026.

According to the report, the meeting was prompted by the results of a private sociological study. This research indicated that Zelenskyy's approval ratings, which had been declining, have now stabilized and are showing signs of an increase. The survey data suggests that in a first-round election, Zelenskyy would receive 33% of the vote, followed by Valerii Zaluzhnyi with 22% and Budanov with 14%.

However, the same poll indicated that in a second-round runoff, Zaluzhnyi would outperform Zelenskyy, with 37% support compared to Zelenskyy's 32%. To gauge the intentions of a potential rival, Zelenskyy reportedly invited Zaluzhnyi, who is currently serving as Ukraine's ambassador to the UK, to Kyiv.

While the formal reason for the meeting was preparation for a potential resignation of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Zelenskyy allegedly asked Zaluzhnyi about his plans for the elections. Sources cited by "Ukrainska Pravda" claim Zaluzhnyi responded that he is preparing to run for president.