This decision was made after Zelensky had previously expressed dissatisfaction with Ukraine not being invited to the diplomatic meeting between Russia and the U.S. in Riyadh. He emphasized that no decision regarding Ukraine's future should be made without Kyiv's involvement, and in response to this lack of invitation, he deemed the meeting meaningless. However, a closer examination of the roots of this decision and Zelensky's statements reveals that his reaction was not solely due to reasons related to peace negotiations, but that Ukraine's internal and political challenges and his desire to maintain personal power played a decisive role in this decision.
Zelensky's anger at Moscow and Washington: Personal ambitions or genuine discontent?
Zelensky, who has become a globally recognized figure during the war with Russia, is now trying to present himself as a heroic leader in the face of not being invited to the peace talks in Riyadh. But this reaction seems to be more of a political move aimed at gaining the support of Western countries and continuing military aid to Ukraine than a sign of genuine discontent. Although he had previously expressed his willingness to accept US demands to surrender Ukraine's resources and mines, he is now trying to portray himself as resilient in the face of international pressures, especially from Russia and the U.S.
However, this heroic pose remains ambiguous due to the obvious contradictions in Zelensky's policies. He, who had previously even spoken of the harsh conditions of war and the forced surrender of parts of Ukraine's territory, now, while claiming to be a supporter of the country's territorial integrity, avoids engaging in peace and reconciliation negotiations with Russia. These sudden changes and internal contradictions in Zelensky's policies risk jeopardizing even Europe's support for him.
End of presidential term: Zelensky's concerns for future
Given the war and Ukraine's internal conditions, it seems that Zelensky is passing through the end of his presidential term. The presidential election, which was supposed to be held in April 2024, has been postponed due to the war conditions, and this postponement, along with internal dissatisfaction, indicates a serious weakness in his political legitimacy. Especially after polls showed that his popularity has sharply declined to less than 4%. He now faces a situation where he is unlikely to win the election. This has caused serious concerns among his supporters and some European powers.
In the meantime, the Riyadh summit and the plans discussed there, especially the proposal for fundamental changes in Ukraine's political structure and even the possibility of Zelensky's removal from the presidency, are directly related to his and his country's political future. Major countries like Russia and the US are considering a leadership change in Ukraine, as they view the continuation of the war under Zelensky's leadership as detrimental to their interests. This situation has led to serious contradictions in Ukraine's foreign policies and further challenges for Zelensky.
New alliances and efforts for survival: Zelensky's strategy or political downfall?
Zelensky, who had previously shown willingness to engage in peace talks and even territorial changes in Ukraine's borders, is now trying to maintain his position with the support of third countries such as Turkey and the UAE. These efforts indicate more internal instability and uncertainty about his political future.
Given the war conditions and the dissatisfaction of the Ukrainian people, it seems that Zelensky is more concerned with maintaining his political power rather than focusing on peace talks and improving the country's situation. Although this approach may keep him in power in the short term, in the long term, it is likely to lead to his and his country's political collapse.
End of Zelensky's era and its impact on Ukraine's future
A closer look at recent developments reveals that Zelensky is not only facing external pressures but also a growing internal legitimacy crisis and dissatisfaction among the people. In such circumstances, his efforts to maintain power against possible changes in Ukraine's leadership and the interference of major countries are merely a political game that will ultimately lead to further harm to his country. These developments not only threaten Zelensky's political future but also negatively impact Ukraine's territorial integrity and political stability.