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Former Ukrainian General Avoids Political Talk While War Continues

Monday, February 23, 2026 at 11:46 AM

Ukraine's former military chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, now serving as ambassador to Britain, refuses to discuss any potential presidential ambitions while his country remains under martial law. The popular general, who polls show could challenge President Zelenskyy, called such speculation "pub talk" during a London appearance.

LONDON – Ukraine’s former military commander Valeriy Zaluzhnyi brushed off speculation about running for president, calling such discussions “pub talk” while his nation remains under martial law due to the ongoing war with Russia.

During an appearance at London’s Chatham House think tank, Zaluzhnyi – who now serves as Ukraine’s ambassador to Britain – stated he won’t reveal any political intentions until the conflict concludes.

“When it is over, when martial law is lifted in Ukraine…only then will we be able to discuss my personal future,” he said.

The former general led Ukraine’s military forces until February 2024 before taking his current diplomatic post in London. While he hasn’t announced any campaign plans, polling data consistently positions him as the strongest potential opponent to current President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy has indicated willingness to conduct elections after the fighting stops, particularly as the United States pushes for a peace agreement.

Recent media interviews featuring Zaluzhnyi revealed fresh information about disagreements between him and Zelenskyy, fueling renewed discussion about future electoral contests and the widely reported friction between the two Ukrainian leaders.

However, Zaluzhnyi deflected questions about any presidential aspirations with humor.

“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 responded when pressed about his political intentions.

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