If Zelenskyy did resign, who might lead Ukraine?

The recent suggestion by Sen. Lindsey Graham that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky should resign has sparked a flurry of questions and speculation. This is not the first time such a suggestion has been made, as President Donald Trump himself had previously pushed for Zelensky to step down after a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Zelensky, who enjoys a much higher approval rating than Trump claimed, reiterated that he would resign if Kyiv was granted NATO membership. He emphasized that Ukraine’s sovereignty should not be used as a bargaining chip in negotiations with foreign leaders.

In the event that Zelensky does decide to step down, there are several potential contenders who could take his place. Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, is a popular figure with strong support among the capital city’s residents. He has also proven himself on the international stage, advocating for Ukraine in the face of criticism from the Trump administration and Russian aggression.

Ruslan Stefanchuk, the chairman of Ukraine’s Parliament, has also been mentioned as a possible successor to Zelensky. He has rejected calls for early elections, arguing that Ukraine needs to focus on defending itself against external threats rather than internal political turmoil.

Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, is another potential contender for the presidency. Despite not expressing a desire for high office, he is highly trusted by the Ukrainian people and has voiced confidence in the country’s ability to reach a peace deal after years of conflict.

General Valery Zaluzhny, the former Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s armed forces and current ambassador to the U.K., is also seen as a credible successor to Zelensky. His popularity remains strong, with a large percentage of Ukrainians trusting him. While he has not indicated whether he would challenge Zelensky or run for president, a hypothetical runoff between the two resulted in a statistical tie.

As the political landscape in Ukraine continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether Zelensky will indeed resign and who will emerge as the country’s next leader. The future of Ukraine hangs in the balance, with potential candidates ready to step up and lead the nation through its challenges.