Zelensky has said on many occasions that he is ready to step down as president once the Russia-Ukraine conflict ends.
On September 25, local time, a video clip of an interview with Zelensky broadcast by Aksios News Network showed that Zelensky made it clear that his mission was to “end the war” rather than seek a re-election, and that if a ceasefire was reached, he would ask parliament to hold presidential elections and would not nominate himself as a candidate.This is not the first time Zelensky has spoken about such a topic, and on February 23, he said he was willing to resign as president if it could bring peace, or to use his resignation in exchange for Ukraine’s accession to NATO.
Zelensky took office as President of Ukraine in May 2019 and served until May 2024. Since Ukraine has entered a state of war since February 2022, according to Article 83 of the Constitution of Ukraine, presidential elections may not be held in a state of war, he remains in office and acts according to law.On October 21, Ukrainian Supreme Radar (Parliament) approved the extension of the state of war and the total mobilization period for 90 days, until February 3, 2026.
Zelensky’s statement was not a sudden decision, but faced with the pressure of reality.
In terms of public opinion, According to a poll released by the Kiev Institute of International Sociology on March 7, Zelensky's approval rate was 57% in early February. A poll conducted from February 14 to March 4 showed that his approval rate increased to 67%, and between March 1 and 4, the approval rate was 68%.
In terms of foreign aid, although the U.S. Congress did postpone the aid bill to Ukraine this year, the EU's aid to Ukraine was not in place was only 37%. On October 1 local time, the European Commission issued a press release stating that the EU issued the ninth macro financial assistance loan to Ukraine, totaling 4 billion euros. To date, the EU’s total support to Ukraine has reached close to €178 billion.In addition, on October 14, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kallas also handed over 6.5 million euros worth of equipment to Ukrainian services, including CCTV news such as drone jamming systems, minibuses and four-wheel drive vehicles. However, Ukraine’s fiscal deficit in 2025 is expected to reach 18.3 percent of GDP, still facing greater fiscal pressures.
Zelensky's statement of "handing over power after the war" sent a clear signal of political transition. This gesture not only helps to shape its image as a "selfless leader", but also sends the message to the West that there is a political way out for Ukraine, thus winning more international support.At the same time, this may also have an impact on the Russia-Ukraine negotiations. Russia may be more willing to accept a new negotiation framework led by Fiselensky.
However, it is currently unclear who will succeed Zelensky. Former Prime Minister Denis Shmegar, commander-in-chief of the armed forces Alexander Sersky, opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko, etc. have all been mentioned by the media, but none of them have an overwhelming public opinion base, and Ukraine's political ecology is characterized by fragmentation.
For ordinary Ukrainians, they are more concerned about whether the war can end as soon as possible and whether life can return to normal. Zelensky's statement may win some international praise, but In Ukraine, people are more eager to see real peace and stability, as well as improved living conditions.The premise of all this is that the war can truly end, but at present, the direction of the Russia-Ukraine war is still unclear.