On the first day of Russia's invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his main political rival set aside their differences to focus on the common threat. However, following three years of relative political dormancy due to the war, competition among Ukrainian politicians has resurfaced as peace talks led by the Trump administration gain traction.
Ukrainian politicians are actively engaging with the Trump administration, which has publicly criticized Zelensky despite his international acclaim for opposing Russia. Former President Petro O. Poroshenko advocates for inclusivity in peace negotiations, suggesting that incorporating opposition figures into the government will facilitate discussions.
Poroshenko proposed a national unity government to stabilize Ukraine's political landscape. This idea gained momentum after a contentious meeting between Zelensky and President Trump in February, where calls for Zelensky's resignation were voiced by a Republican senator. In contrast, Zelensky has expressed reluctance to create a coalition government, opting instead to increase pressure on his opponents through state authorities.
The mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, accused Zelensky of overstepping his authority during martial law to bypass the city council. In January, the national security council froze Poroshenko's bank accounts without specification, a move he condemned as unconstitutional.
Poroshenko stated, “We should have unity in the Parliament and demonstrate unity in the country. And the results of this decision should be a stop to the war.” With Zelensky's term extended under martial law, elections are currently banned, complicating the political landscape further.
Approximately a month ago, Ukraine proposed an unconditional cease-fire that Russia has not accepted. An envoy from the Trump administration visited Russia, possibly to reignite negotiations. Poroshenko indicated that Zelensky's willingness to collaborate with political opponents could positively influence talks, especially given Trump's recent remarks about Zelensky's leadership style.
Despite disagreeing with Trump's characterization of Zelensky as a dictator, Poroshenko has intensified his criticism as the prospects for elections and peace discussions evolve. The sanctions against him could jeopardize his political future, prompting him to label them as “disastrous” and extrajudicial.
The rivalry between Zelensky and Poroshenko has deep historical roots, stemming from Poroshenko's presidency from 2014 to 2019, after which he faced politically motivated investigations. Their conflict persisted even as Russia amassed troops on Ukraine's border prior to the invasion.
In a pivotal moment on February 24, 2022, they met to discuss their shared responsibility in the face of Russian aggression, with Poroshenko requesting military support that was subsequently provided by Zelensky.
Current polls indicate that Poroshenko stands little chance of winning a future presidential election, consistently trailing behind Zelensky and popular military figure General Valery Zaluzhny, who is currently serving as Ukraine's ambassador to Britain.
Political analysts suggest that Poroshenko may seek an electoral alliance with Zaluzhny. During a recent interview, Poroshenko revealed he had met with Zaluzhny but did not disclose specifics of their discussion.
As Zelensky engages in diplomatic negotiations with the Trump administration, Poroshenko has sought to influence these discussions through intermediaries, emphasizing the importance of candid dialogue. He recounted a past exchange with Trump that highlighted the complexities of U.S.-Ukraine relations.
Poroshenko noted that building a robust diplomatic relationship is crucial during this challenging period for Ukraine, stating, “He’s not easy. But now is the time of diplomacy.”