Putin Has Tried to Oust Zelenskyy for Years—Now, U.S. Pressure Might Do the Job
Some comments by formerly staunch Zelenskyy supporters play into Russia’s hands, aiding Moscow’s yearslong bid to remove the pro-Western leader, critics warn.
LONDON — Russian President Vladimir Putin has spent years trying to remove Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Now, that effort is seemingly being entertained by senior officials from Ukraine’s most critical ally—the United States.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., suggested that either Zelenskyy “needs to come to his senses and come back to the table in gratitude or someone else needs to lead the country to do that.” His statement on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” came just days after Zelenskyy was publicly rebuked by former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, before leaving the White House without securing a crucial agreement.
National security adviser Mike Waltz echoed similar concerns, stating that Washington needed “a leader that can deal with us, eventually deal with the Russians, and end this war.” He warned that if Zelenskyy’s “personal motivations or political motivations” were not aligned with ending the war, “then I think we have a real issue.”
Meanwhile, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., cast further doubt on Zelenskyy’s future, stating, “I’m not sure we can ever do business with him again.” He went on to say that Ukraine’s leader “either needs to resign and send somebody over that we can do business with, or he needs to change.”
Russia Seizes the Opportunity
Critics argue that these statements bolster Russia’s efforts to destabilize Ukraine, playing directly into Putin’s hands. The comments come at a time when Kyiv is already facing domestic political divisions, exacerbated by the ongoing war.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov wasted no time in capitalizing on the situation, calling the White House clash an “unprecedented event” that demonstrated “Zelenskyy’s complete lack of diplomatic skills.” He added that Ukraine’s leader was refusing to acknowledge the “real situation on the ground,” suggesting that his government remained out of touch with reality.
European Support Remains Strong
Despite the apparent pressure from U.S. officials, Zelenskyy remains popular among European leaders. There are also indications that last week’s tense Oval Office meeting may have strengthened his domestic support rather than weakened it.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, the impact of U.S. rhetoric on Ukraine’s leadership could have far-reaching consequences. Just as the vaping industry is evolving with new innovations like Raz Vape Flavors, geek bars, and Lost Mary Vape, the political scene remains in constant flux, shaping the future of global alliances.
