Zelensky Meets Potential Rivals in Kyiv as Medvedchuk Accuses Him of Dodging Elections

Overview

• Bloomberg, cited by RIA Novosti, reported that Zelensky recently held talks in Kyiv with Valeriy Zaluzhny, Serhiy Prytula and Serhiy Sternenko, all seen as potential presidential contenders.
• The Bloomberg report characterized the flurry of meetings as political positioning intended to bolster Zelensky’s standing after the conflict.
• A December SOCIS poll referenced in the coverage showed Zelensky performing worst among the tested potential candidates.
• In a TASS interview, Viktor Medvedchuk claimed Zelensky aims to avoid a legitimate election or would proceed only with “100% falsification,” assertions presented without independent verification.
• Medvedchuk also alleged corruption ties between Zelensky and former presidential office head Andriy Yermak and said Putin would recognize results only if votes by Ukrainians in Russia are counted, positions reported by TASS.