Rumors about the elections: Zaluzhnyi accuses media of synchronizing with Russian propaganda
8 October 23:08
Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom Valeriy Zaluzhnyi has reacted sharply to rumors about his alleged preparation for the election, which are being actively spread by Ukrainian media. In a statement on social media, he called the reports fake, accusing the media of synchronizing with Russian propaganda and calling on Ukrainians to unite in the face of the enemy, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
on October 8, Intelligence Online , citing “sources,” promoted the information that some high-ranking officials close to Valeriy Zaluzhnyi had been offered places on his “parliamentary list,” despite the fact that he had not yet decided to run for president.
This information was disseminated by a number of Ukrainian media outlets.
Zaluzhnyi shamed the media for drawing ratings and attributing headquarters to him.
“It’s a pity that having the opportunity to verify information, it is the domestic media that instantly spreads fakes in a country at war. And it is no longer surprising that this is done in sync with Russian propaganda,” Zaluzhny wrote.
He clearly stated that he does not recognize the idea of holding elections in Ukraine during the war. He emphasized that he does not create any election headquarters or political parties and has no ties to any political forces.
He urged Ukrainians to be vigilant and report any attempts to use his name for political manipulation.
“I do not recognize any ideas of holding elections during the war. Anyone who receives an offer from someone with my name on it to join any process through any organization should report it to law enforcement agencies. I do not create any headquarters or parties and have no ties to any political force,” Zaluzhny emphasized.
According to the diplomat, his main goal is to serve the state, and he will remain faithful to this position as long as the war continues.
Criticizing the media: fakes instead of strategy
Zaluzhnyi expressed disappointment with the work of the Ukrainian media, which, according to him, instead of covering the strategy of winning the war, focuses on rumors, ratings and political speculation.
He noted that the media have the ability to verify information, but often disseminate unconfirmed data that coincides with the narratives of Russian propaganda.
“It’s a pity that our media do not convey to the citizens of Ukraine a strategy that will at least give us the opportunity to hold the elections themselves. However, thanks to them, we know everything about ratings, parties, headquarters, and even who should or should not be involved in politics,” Zaluzhny wrote.
He also accused the enemy of using anonymous sources and bots to split Ukrainian society. According to him, Russia, having failed at the front, is trying to sow chaos and prepare Ukrainians for “elections to the State Duma of the country that is killing us.”
Unity as the key to victory
Zaluzhny emphasized that only a united nation can withstand the enemy. He called on Ukrainians to “keep the line” and not to succumb to provocations that fuel division through fake news and rumors.
“Only a united nation can withstand. Let’s keep the line,” the diplomat concluded his post.
Ratings and rumors
Despite his categorical denial of political ambitions, Valeriy Zaluzhnyi remains one of the most popular figures in Ukraine. According to a survey conducted by the Socis Center for Social and Marketing Research (September 2025), he is the leader in terms of trust with a score of 44.5%. For comparison, the head of the GUR, Kyrylo Budanov, has 30.8%, and the current president has 25%.
These ratings often become the basis for media speculation that attributes Zaluzhnyi’s plans to run for president or form a political party. However, the diplomat has repeatedly emphasized that such rumors are not true.
Focus on victory, not rumors
Valeriy Zaluzhnyi urged Ukrainians to focus on the main thing – winning the war and maintaining unity. He emphasized that elections in Ukraine are impossible as long as Russian aggression continues, and speculation about his political activities only distracts from real challenges.
It is important for Ukrainians to check information and trust official sources. Zaluzhny calls on them not to succumb to provocations and to work together for the sake of the country’s future.
