Former Ukrainian army chief Zaluzhnyi to run for president

Former Ukrainian military commander Valerii Zaluzhnyi has reportedly informed President Volodymyr Zelensky of his intention to run in a potential presidential election, setting the stage for a contest between the country's wartime leaders. The development, reported by multiple Ukrainian media outlets citing unnamed sources, follows a meeting between the two men in Kyiv in mid-June.

According to the reports, Zelensky summoned Zaluzhnyi, who currently serves as Ukraine's ambassador to the United Kingdom, to the capital. During a one-on-one conversation, the president reportedly asked his former top general if he would participate should an election be held this autumn. Zaluzhnyi is said to have confirmed his candidacy, explaining that while he never sought a political career, he felt he could not disregard the trust many Ukrainians have placed in him. Following this meeting, senior officials reportedly attempted to dissuade Zaluzhnyi from running and considered offering him prominent government posts, including that of prime minister, but were unsuccessful.

The prospect of an autumn election faces significant legal and logistical hurdles. Zelensky's presidential term expired in...