A Ukrainian energy tycoon has said it “may be too late” for President Volodymyr Zelensky and has advised the Ukrainian leader to stand down to “preserve his legacy as a hero of Ukraine.”
Ukrainian-born energy tycoon who previously worked for the Russian Defence Ministry, Alexander Temerko said by President Zelensky standing down this will save Ukraine.
In a column for the Telegraph Temerko said, “His continued grip on power is no longer serving the national interest, and his attitude is actively harming Ukraine’s chances for peace.
“It is time for him to agree to oversee democratic elections and make way for a government of national unity.”
Ukrainian law prevents President Zelensky to hold elections whilst the country is under martial law, however he can work around this Temerko suggested.
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He said President Zelensky should announce that elections will happen this year and he could remain as a caretaker as the temporary leader of Ukraine.
He said, “If he steps down willingly, he has the chance to preserve his legacy as a hero of Ukraine – a leader who answered his nation’s call in its darkest hour and then did the right thing when the moment demanded it.
“That is the reputation he should seek to secure for history.”
On Monday the US President is to turn the thumb screws on President Zelensky to force him to quit as the Ukrainian leader.
The German publication Bild reported citing their own sources on Monday that Donald Trump is considering pausing all military aid to Ukraine until President Zelensky steps down.
Political commentator Thomas Yeager suggested to Bild that President Trump could be “taking revenge on Zelensky for refusing to provide dirt on the son” of the former US President Joe Biden, Hunter Biden in 2020, Interfax Ukraine reported.
He also pointed out that should Ukraine hold elections this year, this would be welcomed by Vladimir Putin.
