Will Trump and the GOP inadvertently fulfill Putin’s wish?
For years, Russian President Vladimir Putin has aimed to topple Ukraine’s pro-Western leader, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but despite his efforts, Zelenskyy has remained a key figure in Ukraine’s resistance against Russia. However, there is now growing concern among some top U.S. officials, including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), about Zelenskyy’s leadership. Johnson recently made waves by suggesting on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that Zelenskyy may need to reconsider his approach or step down, signaling frustration with Ukraine’s current strategy in the ongoing war. Johnson’s comments follow sharp criticism of Zelenskyy by President Donald Trump and other key Republicans, questioning whether he is the right leader to navigate the challenges Ukraine faces.
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz echoed this sentiment, stating that the U.S. needs a leader who can work with both Washington and, eventually, Russia to bring an end to the conflict. He raised concerns that Zelenskyy’s personal or political motivations might no longer align with the goal of ending the war. Meanwhile, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) went even further, suggesting that if Zelenskyy doesn’t change his approach, the U.S. may need to reconsider its relationship with him entirely.
Critics argue that these calls for Zelenskyy to step down could play into Russia’s hands, potentially destabilizing Ukraine’s government and bolstering Putin’s long-standing desire to install a more compliant leader. Russian officials wasted no time exploiting the situation, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claiming that Zelenskyy’s recent confrontations with the U.S. were proof of his lack of diplomatic skills.
Despite these external pressures, Zelenskyy remains a popular figure in Ukraine, with polls showing his approval rating rising in the wake of his clash with U.S. officials. In fact, many Ukrainians still see him as essential to the country’s war effort, with support for his leadership remaining strong. Zelenskyy has also made it clear that he will not easily step aside, stating that replacing him under the current circumstances would not be so simple.
At the same time, there are whispers of other potential leaders within Ukraine, such as Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the former top military commander, whose popularity has soared. But replacing Zelenskyy during this existential battle for Ukraine’s survival is a move few would recommend, even among his critics. As one Ukrainian soldier put it, any pressure to remove Zelenskyy would likely come from Washington, and such a change would only serve to strengthen Russia’s position.
Ultimately, the question of whether Zelenskyy should remain in power is one that must be answered by Ukrainians themselves, not outsiders. While there may be legitimate debates over his leadership, especially as the war drags on, the stakes are incredibly high. Ukraine needs a leader who can unify the nation, secure international support, and ultimately lead them to victory over Russian aggression. Calls for Zelenskyy’s resignation, while coming from some quarters in Washington, appear premature and risk undermining Ukraine’s resolve in this crucial moment.