Zelenskyy, elections and tensions in the Servant of the People: what is known after the meeting with the faction
23 September 14:27
Politico reported that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a closed meeting of the Servant of the People faction last week. At the meeting, he announced his intention to run in the next elections and sharply criticized his party, civic activists and journalists, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
According to the publication’s interlocutors, the meeting was tense: Zelensky complained that there is too much criticism inside the country, which distracts from the main task of the war and strengthening international support for Ukraine.
Why it matters
MPs expected a conciliatory tone from the president. Especially after the summer attempts to limit the independence of NABU and SAPO, which led to the first mass protests since the start of the full-scale invasion. Instead, Zelenskyy demonstrated toughness and made it clear that he would go to the polls despite martial law and criticism.
Context: the anti-corruption front
In recent months, the conflict between the government and anti-corruption agencies has been in focus. An attempt to subordinate the NABU and the SAPO to the Prosecutor General’s Office caused a wave of outrage. Polls show that even in wartime, Ukrainians consider corruption to be a major domestic problem.
Western partners, while not publicly criticizing, are privately concerned about the possibility of centralizing power in the hands of the president, according to diplomats.
What allies and critics say
Critics accuse Zelenskyy of “populist impatience” and disregard for parliament. At the same time, his entourage defends his management style: “war requires quick decisions.” Earlier this year, Andriy Yermak emphasized that during the war, “decisions must be made quickly and clearly.”
Politico also notes that amidst the reshuffle of personnel – the resignations of Dmytro Kuleba, Volodymyr Kudrytskyi and earlier Valeriy Zaluzhnyi – more and more power is concentrated in a “narrow circle” of presidential advisers.
Why MPs are disappointed
According to the newspaper, about a hundred “servants” did not come to the closed meeting. Some are outraged by pressure from Bankova Street, while others fear losing voter support. One of the MPs summarized: “Either you are with Zelensky, or you are a Russian puppet.”
New restrictions and Kuleba’s reaction
Politico also draws attention to fresh travel bans for former diplomats and officials without special permission. Former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba was also subject to the restrictions, calling it a “political decision” that points to a “deeper problem” of arbitrary control.
What’s next
Zelenskyy’s announcement of his intention to run for office changes the tone of the discussion about Ukraine’s political future. Western partners are still cautious, but Kyiv is increasingly concerned about the concentration of power.
As a reminder, Zelenskyy won the 2019 midterm elections with a record result, receiving over 70% of the vote.
Elections during the war: The constitution does not allow for elections during martial law, but there is discussion about scenarios after it ends.
Summer 2025 protests: The government’s attempt to limit the NABU and SAPO brought thousands of Ukrainians to the streets for the first time since the beginning of the war.
Public attitudes: The latest KIIS polls show that Zelenskyy is trusted by about 59% of citizens, but the level of trust is declining compared to the first years of the war.
