Zaluzhny Prepares Political Candidate List for Parliament Amid Presidential Aspirations
According to information published by the French portal Intelligence Online, the former Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces and current Ukrainian ambassador to the United Kingdom, Valeriy Zaluzhny, is actively forming a list of potential candidates for the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament).
Sources indicate that several high-ranking military officials are being invited to join this political roster, should Zaluzhny decide to run for president of Ukraine.
These discussions have been ongoing for several years, although Zaluzhny has not officially confirmed any political ambitions.
Reports suggest that his team is closely monitoring and discussing future political steps.Besides Zaluzhny, there is also speculation about the involvement of Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, who could also seek a place in the future parliament.
The media reports that Budanov’s objectives remain largely undisclosed, but he is reportedly supported by an NGO named “State Defense,” which actively promotes his political ambitions.Analysts observing the Ukrainian political landscape note that discussions around military figures entering parliament have been ongoing for years and could serve as part of a broader pro-Russian disinformation campaign aimed at fomenting internal tensions and destabilizing Ukraine’s political system.In August, the British publication The Guardian reported that Andriy Yermak, the Head of the Office of the President, met in London with Zaluzhny to discuss the possibility of his involvement in Ukraine’s political process.
Such developments have sparked considerable debate among the public.Regarding Zaluzhny’s potential presidential ambitions, he has refrained from commenting publicly as of February 2025.
Recent sociological surveys indicate that most Ukrainians continue to favor current President Volodymyr Zelensky.
However, survey data also show that if presidential elections were held, Zaluzhny could gather considerable support within the parliament as a so-called “Zaluzhny party.”