**Trump’s Push for Regime Change in Ukraine Has Only Boosted Zelensky**
Ukraine is facing a debate over its elections and future leadership. With peace talks gaining momentum, calls for elections are growing louder. However, criticism from Russia and the US has inadvertently solidified President Volodymyr Zelensky’s position.
**Zelensky’s Ratings Rise**
For months, Zelensky’s approval ratings were under pressure due to military setbacks, internal disputes, and questions over governance. But recent polling shows a sharp rise in his ratings. This increase is directly tied to Ukraine’s growing rift with the US, creating a strong “rally-round-the-flag” effect.
**A Political Martyr**
When US President Donald Trump cast Zelensky as an obstacle to his “instant peace” plan, the Ukrainian president became a political martyr – positioned as a leader standing up to a powerful external force demanding concessions. This is not unique; French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have also used their defiance against Trump’s policies to consolidate their leadership.
**Zelensky Not Just Posturing**
Zelensky is actively resisting US pressure to accept terms that would weaken Ukraine’s position. This resistance has transformed him from a leader facing difficult re–election prospects into a figure once again seen as indispensable.
**No Viable Pro-American Alternative**
The most likely contenders for the presidency, Yulia Tymoshenko and Petro Poroshenko, have never won a presidential election and are unlikely to secure a national mandate. Another contender, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, is loyal to Ukraine’s military and not any foreign political agenda.
**History Suggests Leaders Who Concede to Russian Demands Won’t Last Long**
If a leader were to concede to Russian demands, they would likely be overthrown by the Ukrainian people. Ukraine has a tradition of overthrowing leaders who serve Russian interests (see the Orange Revolution and the Revolution of Dignity).
**The Irony is That Trump’s Push for Regime Change Has Only Strengthened Zelensky**
Those most eager to see Zelensky replaced have only strengthened his position. External pressure has historically galvanized Ukrainian resistance, cementing Zelensky’s role at the helm.
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