Relations between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy have become increasingly strained following the U.S. President's announcement of an oil deal with Russia, to the point where the White House chief even suggested that Ukraine should change its leadership.
Shortly after Trump hinted at this, Zelenskyy suddenly put forward a proposal to the Russian side, asking Vladimir Putin to suspend attacks on Ukraine for 60 days to allow time for him to organize a new presidential election. However, Moscow responded that it would only halt attacks on the election day itself.
Regarding the possibility of Ukraine holding elections during wartime—though the likelihood is nearly zero—many major global media outlets have highlighted four influential figures considered to be the most suitable candidates to challenge Zelenskyy.
According to a report by Newsweek earlier this week, these individuals include:
Former Army Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhnyi
Mr. Zaluzhnyi, a former top general and currently Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, is considered by observers to be a leading challenger to go up against Zelenskyy.
Based on a poll published last week by the Ukrainian research firm Rating Group, Mr. Zelenskyy and Zaluzhnyi are the two candidates most likely to receive the highest number of votes if an election actually takes place.
Data shows that nearly 23% of citizens support the current incumbent president, while over 20% support the former general.
Former Military Intelligence Chief Kyrylo Budanov
Mr. Budanov is well-known in Ukrainian politics as the head of the military intelligence agency (GUR). He has drawn strong attention due to his resolute demeanor, quiet nature, actions speaking louder than words, and frequent television appearances at the outbreak of the war to provide the public with updates on developments at the front lines.
Mr. Budanov has been a primary target for Russia. He stated that he has survived multiple assassination attempts, while Ukrainian officials disclosed that his wife, Marianna, was poisoned in late 2023.
He was appointed as Chief of Staff to President Zelenskyy earlier this year, but Budanov has never announced any intention to run for office.
Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov
Mr. Fedorov, 35, served for many years as Deputy Prime Minister and head of Ukraine's drone program before becoming Defense Minister in January 2026.
However, after serving for just six months, he was removed from his position due to dissatisfaction and disagreements with President Zelenskyy and General Oleksandr Syrskyi, who was then the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Protests against Mr. Fedorov's dismissal erupted in several Ukrainian cities, after which he called for elections during wartime—representing the largest challenge to President Zelenskyy's power since the outbreak of the conflict.
Former President Petro Poroshenko
Mr. Poroshenko served as President of Ukraine between 2014 and 2019, following Russia's annexation of Crimea and Moscow's support for separatist groups in eastern Ukraine's Donbass region.
At that time, he lost to Zelenskyy in the 2019 election because Ukrainian voters grew tired of the weak economy and chronic corruption within Poroshenko's administration.
In late 2021, he was charged by Ukrainian authorities with high treason and financing separatist forces in the east of the country. However, he denied all charges, claiming they were politically motivated.
As a multi-millionaire and one of the wealthiest individuals in Ukraine, Mr. Poroshenko has worked hard to bring the country closer to Europe and has maintained a staunchly anti-Russian stance ever since leaving the presidency.
