Valery Zaluzhny: From Ukraine top general to presidential prospect
4 Min Read
As speculation grows over a future presidential bid, Valery Zaluzhny maintains loyalty to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky while preparing for what some believe is an inevitable return to Ukraine’s political spotlight.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, shaking hands with then commander-in-chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces Valery Zaluzhny during their meeting in Kiev, Ukraine, on February 8, 2024. (AP)
In early March, just days after a tense confrontation between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, the Ukrainian embassy in London was abuzz with calls.
US Vice President JD Vance’s office attempted to contact Valery Zaluzhny, Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK and former army chief. The effort was reportedly aimed at exploring political alternatives to Zelensky, but Zaluzhny, after consulting with Zelensky's chief of staff, refused the call.
This incident, The Guardian's Shaun Walker states, reflects the delicate position Zaluzhny has maintained since his dismissal as commander-in-chief in February 2024 and reassignment to London.
While loyal to the government, Zaluzhny is widely seen, domestically and internationally, as a likely successor to Zelensky.
Read more: Zaluzhny vs Zelensky: How firing army chief will make President weaker
A call from JD Vance and ties to Donald Trump
Sources indicate to The Guardian that Trump’s circle, particularly Vance, sought to engage with Zaluzhny following tensions with Zelensky. Zaluzhny, however, declined the overtures, reinforcing his public unity with the sitting president despite growing speculation over his political ambitions.
Since his reassignment, Zaluzhny balanced loyalty with quiet independence. Though he refused to publicly criticize Zelensky or make political moves, his popularity and credibility remain unmatched among potential challengers. In private discussions, he assured Zelensky's chief of staff that if he ever decided to run for president, he would inform them first.
In London, Zaluzhny’s transition from battlefield to diplomacy has been stark. Seen occasionally on the London Tube or at the theatre, he has largely stayed out of public political discourse, avoiding interviews and tightly controlling his schedule.
Political pilgrims and discreet visitors
Despite his silence, a range of political figures have visited Zaluzhny in London, including Ukrainian MPs, civil society activists, wealthy businessmen, and even former Trump adviser Paul Manafort, who reportedly offered his political consulting services, which Zaluzhny declined.
As political uncertainty grows in Kiev, speculation intensifies that Zaluzhny could challenge Zelensky once elections resume. While Ukraine’s wartime status makes elections legally impossible, polls suggest Zaluzhny is the only figure with serious potential to unseat the incumbent.
Privately, Zaluzhny has hinted at a platform modeled after “Israel”: a nation surrounded by threats, laser-focused on security. Channeling a Churchillian tone, he has said he would demand “blood, sweat and tears” from the Ukrainian people in return for survival.
Read more: Lavrov accuses West of blocking Ukraine ceasefire as disputes persist
Zaluzhny's low profile at the summit
Last month, Zaluzhny returned to Kiev for a six-day summit of Ukrainian ambassadors. While he joined visits to the frontline in Zaporozhye and met with leaders, he kept a low profile. Though some in the capital hoped he would publicly break with Zelensky, he remained silent.
Zaluzhny met with a range of political and civil figures during his stay in Kiev, fueling rumors of a coming campaign. His advisers deny any such plans, insisting his focus remains on national defense.
Presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak downplayed any rivalry, stating that Zaluzhny remains part of the team. But as Ukraine prepares for the return of political life, the question remains: will Valery Zaluzhny enter the political battlefield?
Read more: Europe must bear burden of Ukraine security guarantees: JD Vance
