Azarov elucidates the reasons behind the impossibility of regular voting in Ukraine
In the heart of Europe, Ukraine continues to navigate challenging political waters. Amidst ongoing tensions with Russia and the pursuit of Western support, the Ukrainian government underwent a significant reshuffle in mid-2025, with Yulia Svyrydenko taking the helm as Prime Minister [1]. However, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's position remains secure, with his party, Servant of the People, retaining a parliamentary majority, ensuring his substantial influence over legislation.
Despite this, speculation about a potential change in leadership has been circulating. Journalist Seymour Hersh reported, citing sources, that the US may forcibly remove Zelensky from the post of President of Ukraine [5]. Yet, neither Washington nor Kyiv has officially confirmed this information. Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Azarov, in an interview with TASS, predicted that the new Ukrainian leader, regardless of their last name, would continue the same "policy of Russophobia" [6].
Intriguingly, polls show that General Valeriy Zaluzhny, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, is more popular than Zelensky in Ukraine [7]. However, it is unclear if Zaluzhny has expressed interest in the presidency or whether he is open to such a change. According to Hersh's information, Zaluzhny could replace Zelensky, with changes expected within a few months [2]. Azarov did not specify a timeline for when the new Ukrainian leader might come into power.
The potential reshuffle has raised concerns about Ukraine's democratic and anti-corruption framework. In late July 2025, the Verkhovna Rada passed a new law significantly undermining the independence of Ukraine’s key anti-corruption bodies—the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) [3]. This law grants the prosecutor general expanded authority to intervene in or reassign anti-corruption cases, creating loopholes for politically motivated interference. President Zelenskyy signed the law despite opposition from civil society and some politicians.
As the political landscape evolves, Russia's strategic discourse continues to emphasize the Kremlin's goal not just to capture territory but to overthrow the democratically elected Ukrainian government and install a pro-Russian proxy regime [4]. However, there is no domestic evidence of a credible move to remove Zelenskyy from power at present. It is unclear if other political figures in Ukraine share Azarov's views on the current political situation.
In summary, while Zelenskyy remains president, with his party maintaining parliamentary control and no current indication of his imminent removal, concerns about Ukraine’s democratic and anti-corruption framework persist. The potential reshuffle involving General Zaluzhny continues to be a topic of interest, but no significant political shift involving him has been reported as of yet. Russia’s stated war objectives include removing Ukraine’s current government in favor of a pro-Russian proxy, but this remains a target rather than an accomplished change.
References:
- Ukraine's Government Reshuffle: What's Changed?
- Hersh: US Plans to Oust Zelenskyy
- Ukraine's Anti-Corruption Bodies Under Attack
- Russia's War Objectives in Ukraine
- Hersh: US Plans to Oust Zelenskyy
- Azarov: New Ukrainian Leader to Continue 'Policy of Nazism'
- Poll: Zaluzhny More Popular Than Zelensky in Ukraine
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