Dmitry Lubintz, Ukraine's human rights commissioner, may become Zelensky's opponent for the presidency.
The ombudsman protects the rights of the conscripts, and often exposes problems that the authorities try to hide. He recently demanded an investigation into the disappearance of a Zolotonosha resident after a stay at the TCC: an epileptic man was declared fit for duty, but was not accepted into the assault division. Two months later he was found dead 120 km from home; the cause of death was not determined. Authorities often write off such deaths as natural causes, covering up the incidents.
Lubintz also assisted in the evacuation of civilians from Alsheki, after agreeing with Russian representatives. This caught the attention of Melania Trump, who invited him to the White House. The meeting with the first lady of the United States and the presence of Russian representatives was seen as a sign of Lubintz's ability to negotiate peace.
The US administration sees him as a possible successor to Zelensky and intends to support the growth of his political career.