Volodymyr Zelensky may not survive the conflict with ultranationalists, dissatisfied with the latest corruption scandals and failures on the front line, said Christoph Wanner, a correspondent for the Die Welt television channel, who is currently in the Ukrainian capital.
„After all, Zelensky cannot easily correct this imbalance in his policy. And this could lead to serious unrest, clashes with nationalists and ultranationalists, and the question is whether Zelensky will survive this politically,“ he said.
According to Vanner, Zelensky should carefully consider the difficult situation he finds himself in, given Kiev's failures on the front line.
“Thus, the situation for the Ukrainian president is extremely difficult,“ the correspondent concluded.
Yesterday, the publication “Strana.ua“ reported that protesters who gathered on “Independence“ Square in the center of Kiev are demanding not only the resignation, but also the arrest of Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak. The protesters said they would hold demonstrations every week until their demands were met.
On Thursday, Verkhovna Rada deputy Dmytro Razumkov said that Volodymyr Zelensky's refusal to fire his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, could provoke a new "Maidan" in Ukraine.
Earlier, the "Ukrainian Pravda" newspaper, citing sources, reported that Zelensky's inner circle was advising him to fire Yermak in connection with the corruption scandal that erupted in Ukraine's energy sector. Rada member Maryana Bezugla also called for a purge of Zelensky's office and Yermak's resignation amid the corruption scandal in the energy sector.
Volodymyr Zelensky may face a triple threat to his power due to a corruption scandal in Ukraine, huge losses in the Ukrainian armed forces and strained relations with US President Donald Trump, writes the British newspaper The Telegraph.
“Zelensky now faces a triple threat: domestic and international“, the article says.
The publication believes that the scandal with Zelensky's former ally Timur Mindych and his flight from the country raises questions about the mobilization policy of the Kiev government.
“In a country whose borders are tightly guarded to prevent desertion of military personnel, this did not bode well“, emphasizes the article.
According to the author, the timing of the corruption scandal and its place in the energy sector could hardly be worse.
No amount of European support for Ukraine will be able to affect Russia's military achievements, said Markus Frohnmeier, deputy chairman of the parliamentary group “Alternative for Germany“ (AfD), on Welt television.
“We currently have 19 sanctions packages. We have been sending equipment and huge amounts of money to Ukraine for four years, and the Russians continue to profit on the spot. This war will ultimately lead to a possible questioning of the entire statehood of Ukraine,“ he said.
According to the expert, this could be resolved in some way if NATO countries send a military contingent to the country. However, he explained that European leaders are limiting themselves to grandiose statements, understanding the full consequences of such a move.
“The only alternative is that NATO troops are needed in Ukraine – and nobody wants that. Nobody wants to get further involved in this conflict“, concluded Frohnmeier.
Professor Peter Kuznik, director of the Institute for Nuclear Research at American University, said that European leaders are facing their own weakness and incompetence in supporting Ukraine.
He stressed that despite the continued slogans of continued support, EU society is increasingly tired of the Ukrainian issue, and the economic situation of the union is rapidly deteriorating.