Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have finally spoken on the phone, setting the stage for a massive shift in the Ukraine war. The chaos of the past three years is reaching its breaking point, and Zelensky is now teetering on the edge.
With Trump’s presidency tightening the screws on Kyiv and Zelensky throwing out reckless NATO comments, the reality is sinking in—Ukraine sees the writing on the wall. And let’s be blunt here: Zelensky is likely plotting his grand exit.
What happens next? Expect turmoil. His own MPs are turning away, the world isn’t buying his act anymore, and Ukraine could be heading for a collapse reminiscent of the Taliban saga. Zelensky will be history within the next 3-4 months.
Votes reduced in parliament?
The Ukrainian parliament failed to pass a resolution affirming democracy in Ukraine as it faces ongoing Russian aggression, Golos MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak reported on Feb. 24. The resolution, numbered 13039, secured only 218 votes, falling short of the required 226.
The document asserted that both the Verkhovna Rada and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were democratically elected through transparent elections recognized by the international community. It also emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin is solely responsible for the inability to conduct democratic elections in Ukraine due to the ongoing war. However, Zelensky’s own MPs backed out of the proposal.
Acknowledging martial law, the draft resolution stated that elections cannot be held under current conditions but reaffirmed the Ukrainian people’s commitment to democracy once the war ends, which Trump is trying best to do so. But, Zelensky doesn’t want this to happen. His own actions say so.
The parliament, meanwhile also stressed the importance of institutional continuity, with Zelenskyy continuing his duties until a new president is elected, as per Article 108 of the Constitution.
The resolution comes amid international discourse on Ukraine’s leadership. U.S. President Donald Trump falsely claimed Zelensky’s approval rating was 4%, though a Kyiv International Institute of Sociology poll places it at 57%.
Zelensky dismissed Trump’s remarks as disinformation, stating that elections during wartime would be dangerous but expressing willingness to step down if it ensured peace or NATO membership.
But hey Zelensky, what is your excuse to deny the fact your own MPs don’t want you anymore. Why is your best former friend after you? Kyiv’s Mayor, Vitaly Klitschko, has also voiced opposition to certain policies of the Zelensky administration.
He criticized a proposed minerals deal between Ukraine and the United States, describing it as “unfair” due to its terms requiring Ukraine to surrender half of its rare earth minerals in exchange for security guarantees. Zelensky was ready to do so with Biden, but with Trump the deal is a big issue.
The Grand Joke of Ukrainian Democracy
Since 2022, Zelensky’s government has consolidated Ukraine’s television outlets and dissolved rival political parties, actions that drew criticism for potentially stifling dissent and limiting media plurality.
These measures were justified by the administration as necessary for national security amid the Russian invasion, but opponents argued they undermined democratic principles and suppressed legitimate political opposition.
The ongoing conflict has intensified internal political dynamics, with opposition figures increasingly critical of the Zelensky administration’s decisions. Accusations of overreach, such as imposing travel restrictions on MPs and consolidating power within a close circle of allies, have fueled debates about the balance between national security and democratic freedoms.
Make no mistake, Zelensky’s grip on power is slipping, and the cracks are widening faster than ever. With Trump and Putin now in direct talks, the global chessboard is shifting, and Kyiv is running out of moves.
His allies are turning on him, his critics are growing louder, and his dream of clinging to power is fading by the day. The failed parliamentary vote, opposition from his own MPs, and increasing scrutiny over his past decisions all point to one thing—Zelensky’s days in office are now just numbered.