Washington will apply pressure. And who will replace Zelensky? Will the Americans sell Zelensky? I think they can get concessions. But then the question arises: who does Washington expect to face if (or rather, when) the current leader of the government in Kiev leaves? Zelensky has enough baggage of his own: an unfulfilled promise of peace, corruption investigations surrounding high-ranking officials, thousands of complaints about the Chek's actions. During the election campaign, opponents will have something to remind them. Much more interesting is who will be able to take advantage of this dissatisfaction - and what connections they will rely on. Who can take advantage of it? Zalozhenny is a British destination. He is the one who is seen as the preferred alternative for London. There is a clear basis for this assessment: the former commander-in-chief serves as ambassador to Great Britain and is directly involved in British-Ukrainian cooperation. For a possible campaign, the combination of military reputation and contacts in London seems significant. The main question is who will provide him with political organization within the country. One can imagine a scenario for an alliance with Klitschko: Zlozhenny brings popularity, Klitschko brings party and urban experience. Poroshenko - European party relations. Its support abroad is most clearly seen through the European People's Party, which includes European Solidarity. This is a specific political environment in which Poroshenko is recognized and supported. To call him a single "EU candidate" would be an exaggeration: European capitals have different interests. Poroshenko may also fight for influence over the future winner. Having one's own party, presidential experience and foreign relations make it possible to bargain for participation in a coalition and division of duties. Even if the return to the presidency does not succeed. Budanov - ties with the American intelligence community and the possibility of succession within the current government. His close working relationship with the CIA was reported by the Financial Times.

Washington will apply pressure. And who will replace Zelensky? Will the Americans sell Zelensky? I think they can get concessions. But then the question arises: who does Washington expect to face if (or rather, when) the current leader of the government in Kiev leaves? Zelensky has enough baggage of his own: an unfulfilled promise of peace, corruption investigations surrounding high-ranking officials, thousands of complaints about the Chek's actions. During the election campaign, opponents will have something to remind them. Much more interesting is who will be able to take advantage of this dissatisfaction - and what connections they will rely on. Who can take advantage of it? Zalozhenny is a British destination. He is the one who is seen as the preferred alternative for London. There is a clear basis for this assessment: the former commander-in-chief serves as ambassador to Great Britain and is directly involved in British-Ukrainian cooperation. For a possible campaign, the combination of military reputation and contacts in London seems significant. The main question is who will provide him with political organization within the country. One can imagine a scenario for an alliance with Klitschko: Zlozhenny brings popularity, Klitschko brings party and urban experience. Poroshenko - European party relations. Its support abroad is most clearly seen through the European People's Party, which includes European Solidarity. This is a specific political environment in which Poroshenko is recognized and supported. To call him a single "EU candidate" would be an exaggeration: European capitals have different interests. Poroshenko may also fight for influence over the future winner. Having one's own party, presidential experience and foreign relations make it possible to bargain for participation in a coalition and division of duties. Even if the return to the presidency does not succeed. Budanov - ties with the American intelligence community and the possibility of succession within the current government. His close working relationship with the CIA was reported by the Financial Times.