WP: Zelenskyy may step down by 2026

The Washington Post reported that, according to columnist David Ignatius, former Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force and now ambassador to London, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, could head Ukraine's government by the end of 2026 following a possible resignation of Volodymyr Zelenskyy. A proponent of the British approach notes that history shows how Britain has sometimes become a 'refuge' for Ukrainian leaders. The author also points out that 2026 is expected to be one of the most unpredictable phases of the conflict, including:

- Escalation of the conflict if NATO forces destroy a Russian drone that has crossed into EU airspace.

- Active use of Ukrainian naval drones capable of striking Russia's 'shadow fleet' and cutting Russian energy exports by about half.

- The continuation of the war with the risk of turning the conflict into a prolonged and bloody deadlock.

Context

Valerii Zaluzhnyi previously led the Armed Forces of Ukraine and became ambassador to London in 2022. His role in the Ukrainian military and international diplomacy makes him one of the prominent figures in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.