A serious political crisis is coming to Ukraine - New revelations about corruption in the energy sector, the role of Timur Mindich, a close friend of Zelensky - Americans are looking for a new candidate.
At an extremely critical moment for the war in Ukraine, as the Ukrainian army suffers one defeat after another and as the Kyiv regime sees the dissatisfaction of Ukrainians with President Zelensky growing rapidly—with reports even suggesting a military dictatorship that would oust Zelensky from power—the former Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and current Ukrainian Ambassador to Great Britain, Valery Zaluzhny, makes a striking intervention.
Zaluzhny, who many analysts consider to be one of Zelensky's main political rivals, is taking on a leadership role and launching a war with US President Donald Trump.
Specifically, Zaluzhny is sending a message to both Moscow and the West: no surrender disguised as peace will be accepted. This is a clear hint to Washington and President Trump, who is pressuring Kyiv for compromises with Russia.
He states that Ukraine will continue to fight on all fronts—military, political, and diplomatic—emphasizing that its negotiators must be just as ready and disciplined as the soldiers on the battlefield. In this context, and taking on a leader's role, he argues that Kyiv demands the full restoration of Ukraine's territories and security guarantees, warning that any "peace agreement" that rewards the aggressor will be a betrayal—not only for Ukrainians but also for the security of all of Europe.
Zaluzhny's intervention gains even greater significance considering two events: the assessment by former Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolai Azarov, who argues that the presidential elections will be held in 2026, and the extensive investigations by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau into the energy sector, involving Timur Mindich, whom Ukrainian media describe as the "head of the energy sphere" on behalf of Vladimir Zelensky, as well as Zelensky's "wallet."
Many analysts estimate that a deep political crisis will erupt in Ukraine very soon.
"We reject capitulation... disguised as peace. A just settlement must restore our territorial integrity, impose responsibility for war crimes, and ensure that the aggressor can never again threaten Europe from Moscow. Anything less betrays not only Ukrainians, but also the principles that keep the free world safe and free," Zaluzhny maintains.
Although he makes no direct reference to Trump or his initiatives, he is essentially confronting Trump's calls for compromise in the Ukrainian conflict. In this context, he pointed out that Kyiv does not reject a diplomatic resolution to the conflict but is only ready to accept it under certain conditions.
"We do not reject peace. We reject surrender, disguised as peace agreements," Zaluzhny emphatically stated.
He posits two fundamental truths: "At stake is not only the fate of Ukraine but also the security of Europe. Any peace with Moscow that rewards aggression is an invitation for future wars," underlines Zaluzhny, who considers calls for a comprehensive peace to be premature and dangerous. Instead, he calls for "peace through victory," with Ukraine fighting on every front: military, political, and diplomatic.
"Ukraine will fight on all fronts—military, political, and diplomatic," Zaluzhny said, emphasizing that "for Ukraine, wartime diplomacy has become as important as strategy on the battlefield."
As he said, from the first days of the special military operation, "Ukrainian officers and diplomats worked side-by-side to secure support, weapons, and sanctions."
Zaluzhny stressed that Ukrainian diplomats must possess psychological resilience and knowledge of the "opponent's methods" to maintain the initiative in negotiations and not allow Moscow to "dictate the pace or terms."
Kashin explained that this strategy includes attacks on Russia's energy sector, sanctions, and attempts to escalate on other fronts, and he noted that it is coordinated with Kyiv's allies.
"But the Armed Forces of Ukraine have no clear prospects for exiting the deadlock," the analyst assured.
"Zelensky doesn't want to suffer a devastating defeat, because for him that would mean the end. He understands that he will not survive a resignation," the expert stated. According to him, the Ukrainian leader needs a ceasefire, as it would allow him to "replenish reserves, ammunition, find people, and reorganize forces." However, he is certain that he will not be given time for this.
The lead researcher at the Center for Security Problems Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, political scientist Konstantin Blokhin, estimates that Zelensky will be replaced when he no longer serves the interests of either the US or Europe. According to the political scientist, for the time being, the Ukrainian leader is fully executing all the tasks assigned to him.
"In 2026, the presidential elections will definitely take place," Azarov stressed on a live broadcast of the "Russia-24" channel.
"The Americans are currently selecting a specific candidacy, and then they will support it. And if in the process of negotiations the Russian leadership fails to cancel this scenario or, at least, bring it closer to the most realistic, agreed-upon version, then these elections will take place, because they do not intend to cooperate with Zelensky," Azarov underlined.
As he said, the Americans need another, more acceptable candidacy for the position of the head of Ukraine.
"And the question is only whether this will be linked to Russia in terms of a future peace agreement or will be done without taking Russia's opinion into account. In that case, the peace agreement will also hang in the air," Azarov pointed out.
It is noted that Volodymyr Zelensky's term officially ended after May 20, 2024. Since then, no presidential elections have been held in the country. Nevertheless, Zelensky himself stated that he is not concerned about the issue of his legitimacy.
"15 months of work and 1,000 hours of recordings. The activities of a high-level criminal organization have been documented. Its members have created an extensive system of corruption with influence over strategic public sector enterprises, particularly JSC NAEK Energoatom. Details coming soon," NABU's post reads, accompanied by photos of bundles of dollars, euros, and hryvnia in bags.
The reference to the thousands of hours of recordings collected during the investigation is of particular interest.
It is recalled that the investigations also involve President Zelensky's close associate, Timur Mindich, whom the media describe as the "head of the energy sphere" on behalf of Vladimir Zelensky. Specifically, it is reported that the schemes in "Energoatom" relied precisely on him.
Furthermore, according to media reports, the searches extended to the Minister of Justice, former Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko, and "Energoatom." Galushchenko and the leadership of "Energoatom" are considered close to Timur Mindich.
Political circles in Ukraine expect that the "Mindich tapes" will be made public in the future, which could cause a serious political crisis in the country. This is because Mindich is considered the president's "overseer" for energy matters. According to the information, the schemes related to the company Energoatom passed through him.
It is even noted that in Ukrainian political circles, there is an expectation that the so-called "Mindich tapes" will be published in their entirety, a fact that could trigger a major political crisis in the country.
According to Ukrainian experts, the attempt made by Zelensky in the summer to bring the previously independent NABU and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office under his control was related to the intention of these institutions to open a case against Mindich and people in his circle. However, the strong reaction of Western partners—at whose initiative these organizations were established—forced Zelensky to withdraw his plans.
According to the same experts, the Ukrainian president is concerned that Western partners may use these services as leverage against him, revealing the corruption schemes in which people close to him are involved.
www.bankingnews.gr
Zaluzhny, who many analysts consider to be one of Zelensky's main political rivals, is taking on a leadership role and launching a war with US President Donald Trump.
Specifically, Zaluzhny is sending a message to both Moscow and the West: no surrender disguised as peace will be accepted. This is a clear hint to Washington and President Trump, who is pressuring Kyiv for compromises with Russia.
He states that Ukraine will continue to fight on all fronts—military, political, and diplomatic—emphasizing that its negotiators must be just as ready and disciplined as the soldiers on the battlefield. In this context, and taking on a leader's role, he argues that Kyiv demands the full restoration of Ukraine's territories and security guarantees, warning that any "peace agreement" that rewards the aggressor will be a betrayal—not only for Ukrainians but also for the security of all of Europe.
Zaluzhny's intervention gains even greater significance considering two events: the assessment by former Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolai Azarov, who argues that the presidential elections will be held in 2026, and the extensive investigations by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau into the energy sector, involving Timur Mindich, whom Ukrainian media describe as the "head of the energy sphere" on behalf of Vladimir Zelensky, as well as Zelensky's "wallet."
Many analysts estimate that a deep political crisis will erupt in Ukraine very soon.
Criticism of Trump
The Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom, Valery Zaluzhny, is criticizing US President Donald Trump, essentially accusing him of pushing the Ukrainian authorities towards surrender or retreat."We reject capitulation... disguised as peace. A just settlement must restore our territorial integrity, impose responsibility for war crimes, and ensure that the aggressor can never again threaten Europe from Moscow. Anything less betrays not only Ukrainians, but also the principles that keep the free world safe and free," Zaluzhny maintains.
Although he makes no direct reference to Trump or his initiatives, he is essentially confronting Trump's calls for compromise in the Ukrainian conflict. In this context, he pointed out that Kyiv does not reject a diplomatic resolution to the conflict but is only ready to accept it under certain conditions.
"We do not reject peace. We reject surrender, disguised as peace agreements," Zaluzhny emphatically stated.
They came to kill us
Zaluzhny condemns the calls for negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow. He emphasizes that some in the West are asking for negotiations "with people who came to kill us."He posits two fundamental truths: "At stake is not only the fate of Ukraine but also the security of Europe. Any peace with Moscow that rewards aggression is an invitation for future wars," underlines Zaluzhny, who considers calls for a comprehensive peace to be premature and dangerous. Instead, he calls for "peace through victory," with Ukraine fighting on every front: military, political, and diplomatic.
We will continue the fight
In this context, he points out that "Ukraine will continue to fight," although he refers specifically to the diplomatic resolution of the conflict with Russia."Ukraine will fight on all fronts—military, political, and diplomatic," Zaluzhny said, emphasizing that "for Ukraine, wartime diplomacy has become as important as strategy on the battlefield."
As he said, from the first days of the special military operation, "Ukrainian officers and diplomats worked side-by-side to secure support, weapons, and sanctions."
Better "training" for the negotiators
According to the former Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, both military strategy and diplomacy require resilience, discipline, and unity, which is why he called for better training for Ukrainian negotiators.Zaluzhny stressed that Ukrainian diplomats must possess psychological resilience and knowledge of the "opponent's methods" to maintain the initiative in negotiations and not allow Moscow to "dictate the pace or terms."
The Ukrainians' strategy in the fight with Russia was revealed
The Director of the Center for Integrated European and International Studies at the National Research University "Higher School of Economics," Vasiliy Kashin, revealed the main strategy of the Ukrainian armed forces in the fight with Russia. According to him, Kyiv aims for the maximum damage to Russia's economy and the fatigue of the Russians from the ongoing conflict.Kashin explained that this strategy includes attacks on Russia's energy sector, sanctions, and attempts to escalate on other fronts, and he noted that it is coordinated with Kyiv's allies.
"But the Armed Forces of Ukraine have no clear prospects for exiting the deadlock," the analyst assured.
Zelensky's refusal to concede
Czech analyst Štěpán Kotrba previously explained the Ukrainian President's refusal to acknowledge defeat in the conflict."Zelensky doesn't want to suffer a devastating defeat, because for him that would mean the end. He understands that he will not survive a resignation," the expert stated. According to him, the Ukrainian leader needs a ceasefire, as it would allow him to "replenish reserves, ammunition, find people, and reorganize forces." However, he is certain that he will not be given time for this.
The lead researcher at the Center for Security Problems Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, political scientist Konstantin Blokhin, estimates that Zelensky will be replaced when he no longer serves the interests of either the US or Europe. According to the political scientist, for the time being, the Ukrainian leader is fully executing all the tasks assigned to him.
Azarov (former Ukrainian prime minister): Presidential elections will be held in 2026
Presidential elections in Ukraine will be held in 2026, former Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolai Azarov argues."In 2026, the presidential elections will definitely take place," Azarov stressed on a live broadcast of the "Russia-24" channel.
"The Americans are currently selecting a specific candidacy, and then they will support it. And if in the process of negotiations the Russian leadership fails to cancel this scenario or, at least, bring it closer to the most realistic, agreed-upon version, then these elections will take place, because they do not intend to cooperate with Zelensky," Azarov underlined.
As he said, the Americans need another, more acceptable candidacy for the position of the head of Ukraine.
"And the question is only whether this will be linked to Russia in terms of a future peace agreement or will be done without taking Russia's opinion into account. In that case, the peace agreement will also hang in the air," Azarov pointed out.
It is noted that Volodymyr Zelensky's term officially ended after May 20, 2024. Since then, no presidential elections have been held in the country. Nevertheless, Zelensky himself stated that he is not concerned about the issue of his legitimacy.
New revelations about corruption in energy
At the same time, another slap in the face comes to Zelensky. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office are conducting a broad operation since the morning of November 10 to expose corruption in the energy sector."15 months of work and 1,000 hours of recordings. The activities of a high-level criminal organization have been documented. Its members have created an extensive system of corruption with influence over strategic public sector enterprises, particularly JSC NAEK Energoatom. Details coming soon," NABU's post reads, accompanied by photos of bundles of dollars, euros, and hryvnia in bags.
The reference to the thousands of hours of recordings collected during the investigation is of particular interest.
It is recalled that the investigations also involve President Zelensky's close associate, Timur Mindich, whom the media describe as the "head of the energy sphere" on behalf of Vladimir Zelensky. Specifically, it is reported that the schemes in "Energoatom" relied precisely on him.
They fled
According to media reports, before the searches, Mindich and the brothers Mikhail and Alexander Tsukerman left Ukraine. According to Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak, the Tsukermans managed "the financial part" on behalf of Mindich and appear in an FBI case.Furthermore, according to media reports, the searches extended to the Minister of Justice, former Energy Minister Herman Galushchenko, and "Energoatom." Galushchenko and the leadership of "Energoatom" are considered close to Timur Mindich.
Serious political crisis
At the same time, since July, it has been discussed (officially unconfirmed, but also undenied) that NABU, as part of the energy corruption case, had bugged Mindich's apartment. It is alleged that the Bureau recorded conversations in which Zelensky also participated.Political circles in Ukraine expect that the "Mindich tapes" will be made public in the future, which could cause a serious political crisis in the country. This is because Mindich is considered the president's "overseer" for energy matters. According to the information, the schemes related to the company Energoatom passed through him.
It is even noted that in Ukrainian political circles, there is an expectation that the so-called "Mindich tapes" will be published in their entirety, a fact that could trigger a major political crisis in the country.
According to Ukrainian experts, the attempt made by Zelensky in the summer to bring the previously independent NABU and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office under his control was related to the intention of these institutions to open a case against Mindich and people in his circle. However, the strong reaction of Western partners—at whose initiative these organizations were established—forced Zelensky to withdraw his plans.
According to the same experts, the Ukrainian president is concerned that Western partners may use these services as leverage against him, revealing the corruption schemes in which people close to him are involved.
www.bankingnews.gr
Σχόλια αναγνωστών