He had refused to step down: Figures close to Trump met with Zelensky's opponents

Following the dispute between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, it has been alleged that Trump's inner circle has met with prominent figures of the Ukrainian opposition. It is stated that the meetings focused on the possibility of early elections in Ukraine.

The Trump administration had argued that Zelenskyy would lose elections due to the war and allegations of corruption. However, polls have shown that Zelenskyy has seen a resurgence in support following his dispute with Trump.

According to a report by the U.S.-based news outlet Politico, some figures from Trump's inner circle have held meetings with key members of the Ukrainian opposition. It is alleged that the possibility of holding early presidential elections in Ukraine was discussed during these meetings.

Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko

According to a survey conducted this week by the British polling company Survation, 44 percent of respondents stated they would support Zelenskyy for president. Zelenskyy finished more than 20 points ahead of his closest rival, Ambassador to London Valerii Zaluzhnyi. Former President Petro Poroshenko received 10 percent support, while former Prime Yulia Tymoshenko received 5.7 percent.

While it is noted that elections cannot be held in Ukraine due to the ongoing state of emergency, Trump has accused Zelenskyy of being an 'unelected dictator.'

A Republican foreign policy expert who spoke to Politico noted that Poroshenko and Tymoshenko had met with Trump's team. The expert claimed that the two Zelenskyy opponents presented themselves to Trump as 'people who are easier to work with.'

A fight broke out during the meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump on February 28. Accusing Zelenskyy of 'wanting to continue the war,' Trump claimed he kicked the Ukrainian leader out of the Oval Office. In statements made today, Zelenskyy indicated that he 'wants to resolve issues with Trump and the U.S.'

UKRAINIANS REACTED TO THE ALLEGATIONS

The European Solidarity party, led by Poroshenko, issued a statement regarding the allegations, emphasizing that their goal is 'not to force a decision for elections, but to secure a free and fair post-war electoral process.'

Director of the Ukrainian Institute of Politics Ruslan Bortnik stated that some political groups are trying to establish connections with the U.S. Bortnik said, 'Ukrainian elites understand very well that without U.S. support, Ukraine will be defeated.'

Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee Oleksandr Merezhko, however, argued that Trump is not actually interested in holding elections in Ukraine, stating the following:

''Elections are Putin's narrative and goal. His aim is to weaken us from within and eliminate Zelenskyy because he is the symbol of our resistance.''

News Source: 12punto