LONDON, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Ukraine's former top general Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, now serving as ambassador to the UK, dismissed questions about his presidential ambitions as "pub talk" and said he would not
Zaluzhnyi Defers Political Plans Until Ukraine Lifts Martial Law
Zaluzhnyi Defers Political Future Under Martial Law
LONDON, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Ukraine's former top general Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, now serving as ambassador to the UK, dismissed questions about his presidential ambitions as "pub talk" and said he would not address his political future until after martial law ends.
Remarks at Chatham House, London
Speaking at London's Chatham House, Zaluzhnyi said he would disclose any political plans only once the fighting in Russia's war in Ukraine has ended.
Conditions for Discussing His Future
"When it is over, when martial law is lifted in Ukraine...only then will we be able to discuss my personal future," he said.
From Top Commander to Ambassador
Zaluzhnyi served as Kyiv's top commander until February 2024 and is now Ukraine’s envoy in London. Although he has not voiced plans to run for office, opinion polls consistently show him as the most credible challenger to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Zelenskiy’s Position on Elections
Zelenskiy, under U.S. pressure to agree to a peace deal, has signalled his readiness to hold elections when fighting ends.
AP Interview and Reported Rift
In an interview with the Associated Press published last week, Zaluzhnyi shared new details of a rift with Zelenskiy, rekindling speculation over post-war elections and the long-reported tensions between the two leaders.
Refusal to Weigh Presidential Ambitions
But Zaluzhnyi refused to discuss any presidential ambitions.
“Pub talk” Quote and Context
"In order to answer this question, I should go to one of the wonderful pubs in this very city...it's pub talk, actually, or bar talk," he said when asked about his political plans.
Reporting and Editing Credits
(Reporting by Libby George and Elizabeth Piper; Editing by Ros Russell)
