Putin Predicts West to Oust Zelensky by 2025 Amid War Failures

Russian President Vladimir Putin has asserted that Western powers are preparing to replace Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by next year, using him as a scapegoat for the ongoing conflict’s shortcomings.

This bold statement was made during an address, reflecting Moscow’s narrative of Western manipulation and Ukrainian victimhood.

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A Calculated Prediction

Putin’s comments were reported by various media outlets, including Sputnik and Zero Hedge, highlighting his assertion that the West is gearing up to blame Zelensky for the unpopular decisions and perceived failures in the protracted conflict with Russia. “The West is preparing to dump Zelensky, holding him responsible for their miscalculations,” Putin claimed, suggesting that this scapegoating tactic is a prelude to his replacement in 2025 .

Putin could be at least in part seizing on the obvious increased negative coverage of the Zelensky government in major Western media outlets, from the BBC to NY Times to Wall Street Journal. Indeed Zelensky’s ‘celebrity power’ on display throughout the first part of the war, where it seemed he could simply do no wrong in the media’s eyes, is waning fast.

Western Strategy and Ukrainian Leadership

The Russian leader’s remarks underscore a broader strategy he attributes to Western nations.

According to Putin, these nations are poised to abandon Zelensky, who they initially supported fervently in the wake of the 2022 invasion, due to a series of military and political missteps. This shift, he posits, is inevitable as Western leaders seek to mitigate their own reputational damage by pinning the blame on the Ukrainian president.

Putin elaborated on the West’s alleged plans to “remove” Zelensky, indicating that dissatisfaction with his handling of the war is growing among Ukraine’s Western allies. This dissatisfaction, he argues, stems from the significant costs and the lack of decisive victories against Russian forces.

There are signs of large-scale dissent among the Ukrainian population as recruitment officers are violently grabbing men from off the streets.

As such, Zelensky’s political future appears precarious, with his Western backers contemplating a change in leadership to placate public opinion and realign their strategic interests.

Reactions from Western Capitals

While no Western leaders have publicly corroborated Putin’s claims, the geopolitical dynamics in Ukraine suggest a complex interplay of support and criticism. Western nations have indeed provided substantial military and financial aid to Ukraine, but the conflict’s duration and intensity have led to rising questions about strategy and end goals. In this context, Putin’s assertions might find a receptive audience among those frustrated with the conflict’s trajectory and its toll on resources and international stability.

The Ukrainian Perspective

From Kiev’s standpoint, such claims by Putin are likely viewed as part of a broader propaganda effort to undermine Ukrainian morale and sow discord between Ukraine and its allies. Zelensky, who has consistently emphasized his nation’s resilience and resolve, faces the dual challenge of maintaining domestic support while reassuring international backers of Ukraine’s capability and determination.

Zelensky’s leadership has been marked by his charismatic appeal and his ability to galvanize international support. However, the realities on the ground—marked by intense fighting, significant casualties, and economic strain—have tested his administration’s resilience. The notion of Western abandonment, as suggested by Putin, would undoubtedly be a severe blow to Ukrainian morale and strategic outlook.

Implications for Global Geopolitics

Putin’s comments also reflect a broader narrative aimed at highlighting Western inconsistency and opportunism in international affairs. By framing Zelensky as a disposable asset for the West, Putin seeks to cast doubt on the reliability of Western alliances and their commitment to long-term support for partners.

For Western policymakers, the challenge lies in balancing robust support for Ukraine with realistic assessments of the conflict’s progression. The potential for leadership change in Kiev, whether driven by internal dynamics or external pressures, could significantly alter the conflict’s trajectory and the West’s role in it.

Conclusion

As the war in Ukraine grinds on with no clear resolution in sight, Putin’s prediction of Zelensky’s ousting serves as a stark reminder of the volatile and unpredictable nature of international politics. Whether or not his forecast comes to pass, the discourse around it underscores the intricate and often contentious relationships between wartime leaders and their backers. For Ukraine, the path forward remains fraught with challenges, both on the battlefield and in the halls of power.