Former commander-in-chief Zaluzhnyi reportedly forming parliamentary list with eye on presidential elections

The French portal Intelligence Online has reported that some senior military officials close to Valerii Zaluzhnyi, former Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces and current Ambassador to the UK, have reportedly been offered places on his parliamentary list, even though he has not yet decided whether to run for president.

Source: Intelligence Online, citing a source

Details: One source familiar with the potential parliamentary list said that it includes several high-ranking military officials, who have been approached about possible membership in parliament if Zaluzhnyi were to become the successor to current President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The portal noted that discussions about potential successors to Zelenskyy have been ongoing for several years, although some observers said that these narratives were pro-Russian disinformation aimed at dividing Ukraine's political front.

Intelligence Online added that Zaluzhnyi has remained silent on any future political plans and that his team strictly controlled his public appearances in London.

It also mentioned that, besides Zaluzhnyi, Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, may have ambitions for the next presidential election. According to Intelligence Online, the non-governmental organisation State Protection is reportedly working quietly to advance Budanov's ambitions.

In August, The Guardian wrote that Andrii Yermak, Head of Zelenskyy's Office, visited Zaluzhnyi in London and offered him a role in Zelenskyy's team for future elections, but he declined.

Background:

• In February 2025, Zaluzhnyi neither confirmed nor denied potential presidential ambitions, noting that the issue would only arise if Ukraine's statehood were not under threat.
• According to the latest survey by polling organisation Rating, most Ukrainians would vote for Zelenskyy in the next presidential election, but would favour a hypothetical "Zaluzhnyi Party" in parliamentary elections.

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