Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is facing mounting pressure to resign following a highly publicized clash with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. The confrontation, which included sharp criticisms from both Trump and Vice President JD Vance, sparked speculation about whether Ukraine’s leader could be forced to step aside.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham was among the most vocal critics of Zelenskyy’s performance in the meeting, describing it as a “complete and utter disaster.” Graham went so far as to question whether the U.S. could continue supporting Ukraine under Zelenskyy’s leadership, saying, “What I saw in the Oval Office was disrespectful, and I don’t know if we can ever do business with Zelenskyy again.”
The controversy escalated after Trump falsely claimed that Zelenskyy had an approval rating of just 4% and suggested that Ukraine should hold elections, despite the country’s constitutional prohibition on elections under martial law. Trump’s remarks, made after a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, raised further concerns that he may be pressuring Ukraine to make concessions to Moscow.
Zelenskyy, whose actual approval rating is closer to 63% according to Reuters, has firmly rejected these calls for his resignation. He has repeatedly emphasized that only the Ukrainian people—not foreign politicians—have the right to decide the country’s leadership. “Americans vote for their president, just as each European country votes for their president,” Zelenskyy told Fox News, “and Ukraine has the same sovereign right.”
What Happened Between Trump and Zelenskyy?
The tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy reflect deeper disagreements over U.S. support for Ukraine. Trump has long expressed skepticism about providing aid to Kyiv, arguing that European nations should bear a greater share of the burden. During the Oval Office meeting, he reportedly scolded Zelenskyy for his lack of gratitude and suggested that Ukraine should negotiate peace with Russia, a stance that alarmed many in Kyiv.
Following the tense exchange, Trump reportedly told Zelenskyy that he could “come back when he is ready for peace.” Graham, who was present, later stated that Zelenskyy had “made it almost impossible to sell to the American people that he’s a good investment.”
Zelenskyy has acknowledged the friction with Trump, admitting that the meeting “was not good” and that the outcome was disappointing. However, he stood by his position, emphasizing that Ukraine cannot compromise on its fundamental principles. “We cannot lose our values, our people,” he said. “Russians came to our territories, our houses… just to forget it? Just to say Putin is a great guy? No.”
Who Has Suggested Zelenskyy Should Resign?
Lindsey Graham has been the most outspoken American politician calling for Zelenskyy’s resignation, but he is not alone. Some members of the Trump administration and other Republican figures have hinted at the need for new leadership in Ukraine, arguing that Zelenskyy’s combative style is making it harder for the U.S. to continue supporting the war effort.
However, Ukrainian officials and international leaders have pushed back against these calls. Ukrainian MP Kira Rudik directly responded to Graham’s remarks, saying, “With all due respect, in Ukraine, we elect our own presidents, and we are known to start revolutions if we think that they are not acting in our best interest. So, it’s not up to a Russian president, or an American president, or American officials to tell the Ukrainian people who should be our president.”
Zelenskyy’s Response: Standing Firm
Despite the pressure, Zelenskyy has made it clear that he has no intention of resigning—unless Ukraine is granted NATO membership. During his Fox News interview, he reiterated, “No. This decision can only be done by the people of Ukraine.”
Zelenskyy also underscored the importance of continued U.S. support, acknowledging that it would be difficult for Ukraine to sustain its war effort without American aid. However, he insisted that Ukraine must not be forced into political concessions as a condition for assistance. “If the U.S. supports NATO [accession], up to, I think it’s enough for Ukraine. I did all I had to do. And if somebody is not happy with me, okay [I will resign].”
Who Could Lead Ukraine If Zelenskyy Resigned?
If Zelenskyy were to step down, several high-profile figures could emerge as potential successors:
- Vitali Klitschko: The mayor of Kyiv and former world boxing champion has been a vocal advocate for Ukraine on the international stage. Though he has previously clashed with Zelenskyy, Klitschko recently emphasized that holding an election during wartime could “destroy the country from within.” His strong support in the capital and global recognition make him a formidable candidate.
- Ruslan Stefanchuk: As chairman of Ukraine’s parliament and a close ally of Zelenskyy, Stefanchuk has taken a hardline stance against the idea of elections during wartime. He has argued that Ukraine needs “bullets, not ballots” at this stage of the conflict.
- Kyrylo Budanov: The head of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, Budanov, is one of the most trusted figures in Ukraine, even surpassing Zelenskyy in popularity. While he has not expressed political ambitions, his leadership could provide stability in a crisis.
- General Valery Zaluzhny: The former Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s armed forces and current ambassador to the U.K. remains one of the country’s most respected military figures. Although he was dismissed from his post in 2024 after disagreements with Zelenskyy, polls show that he is still one of the most trusted leaders in Ukraine, with 80% approval ratings.
The uncertainty surrounding Zelenskyy’s leadership comes at a critical moment for Ukraine. The country remains locked in a brutal war with Russia, relying on Western aid to sustain its military operations. Any transition of power could disrupt coordination with allies, weaken Ukraine’s negotiating position, and create internal instability at a time when unity is paramount.
A change in leadership could also shift Ukraine’s stance toward negotiations with Russia. If a new leader were to take a softer approach, it might lead to a settlement that compromises Ukraine’s territorial integrity. On the other hand, a hardline successor could struggle to maintain international support, especially if tensions with the U.S. continue to rise under Trump’s administration.
For now, Zelenskyy appears determined to stay in office, insisting that his fate lies in the hands of the Ukrainian people. However, with political tensions mounting both at home and abroad, the question remains: will he be able to hold on, or will external and internal pressures force him to step aside?
NP Editor: The minerals rights deal what the best possible outcome for Ukraine since it would mean that the U.S. would have a vested interest in Ukraine. Zelenskyy, for some reason, believes that he is going to get all of his country back. He is not. No one is willing to go in with troops to kick Russia out, risking a nuclear war.
Ukraine could have security as it has been offered. But Trump is correct, Europe has to step up.
