So far, Zaluzhnyi has not communicated that message, although there is an increasing belief in Kyiv that he is readying a political run. The general is coy even privately with close associates about his plans, but many assume he is just biding his time before entering the fray.

So... there's no particular reason to think he might have any interest in politics at all, but The Guardian is real enthusiastic about painting it that he's just "biding his time."

[–] Mika@sopuli.xyz 11 points 2 days ago (5 children)

Others in Ukraine see him as a potential political figure. He didn't deny the possibility to become one - which is a hint as bold as you can get.

There is an informal rule in Ukraine to put politics aside during the war. Cause Ukrainian society was very divided by politics, much alike USA. Protests recently were an exception, because people felt like the current government break the "no politics, everything to win the war" rule with their powergrab move towards anticorruption institutions.

Zaluzhnyi is a previous commander, he knows well why this is so important not to bring politics back. He is also undeniable pro-Ukrainian. Even if I wouldn't like him as a president, I can applaud to his principles.

[–] PhilipTheBucket@piefed.social 3 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Others in Ukraine see him as a potential political figure.

Which others, though? Specifically who in Ukraine sees him as a potential political figure? The only one named in the article is Paul Manafort.

There is so much vigorous disinformation in this space that I want to read pretty critically anything that sounds like this, and I saw plenty of stink lines crop up more or less instantly when I held it close to my face. For all I know it's legit, it just ticks a few of the disinfo boxes.

[–] Mika@sopuli.xyz 3 points 1 day ago (2 children)

I mean, all the opinion polls for starters?

https://ukraine-elections.com.ua/uk/socopros/vybory_prezidenta

https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2025/02/20/7499275/

https://www.iri.org/resources/national-survey-of-ukraine-july-2025/

https://socis.kiev.ua/ua/2025-06-25/

He is stable second place. Nobody is even close. I bet Zelensky himself do see him as a major threat for his reelections.

Paul Manafort was just one of the names we heard. But with his ratings, he can be picky about who he is dealing with. Literally any oligarch in Ukraine would pay him a lot if that means he would do some favours.

[–] Nico_198X@europe.pub 1 points 1 day ago

why would anyone think Zel will run for re-election? after years of this shitshow wouldn't you be like, "i'm good. i'm done. i did my part" and fucking bail?

[–] PhilipTheBucket@piefed.social 1 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

Paul Manafort was just one of the names we heard.

Who were the others?

I bet Zelensky himself do see him as a major threat for his reelections.

I get your point. He's popular and at some point when the dying stops, it'll be relevant. I would say it would be relevant if Vance was able to replace Zelensky with this guy before the war was over, but I don't think Vance is competent enough to make that happen, fortunately enough. I feel like people in that part of the world have a lot stronger civil immune system against disinfo.

Further, if Ukraine survives and everyone gets to go back to normal life, my guess would be that Zelensky wouldn't give two shits if a competent military commander got to take his job with his biggest concern being losing the election, but who knows.

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