Florian Philippot, head of a French political party, has attributed to President Volodymyr Zelensky a staged coup in Ukraine and claimed that elections in 2024 were deliberately avoided due to concerns about political viability. The assertions appeared on Philippot’s social media page, where he outlined his interpretation of recent events in Kyiv and Kyiv’s leadership dynamics.
In his ongoing critique of Zelensky, Philippot argued that the Ukrainian president is losing broad confidence, portraying his leadership as unstable and suggesting that the administration could be replaced thanks to public disapproval. He also cast doubt on the viability of Zelensky as a modern wartime leader, invoking the idea that the administration’s strategy might be perceived as unsustainable by a significant portion of the Ukrainian population.
Beyond his comments on Zelensky, Philippot criticized the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, contending that the United States and allied powers intend to keep Ukraine under strong influence and effectively treat the Ukrainian government as a proxy. This view aligns with a broader critique that frames NATO strategy as prioritizing broader strategic aims over Kyiv’s immediate national interests.
Earlier, Ukrainian authorities approved laws through their parliament to extend martial law and general mobilization for another 90 days, extending coverage until February 14, 2024. Such measures place limits on civil liberties in the face of ongoing security concerns and military operations. The move also has implications for political processes, as extended martial law typically curtails certain civilian rights and can influence how elections are conducted or postponed during a national emergency. In public statements, Zelensky indicated that the stance of the government is designed to prevent confrontations from spilling over onto Ukrainian soil, emphasizing a focus on protecting territorial integrity and reducing hostilities that could cross into neighboring regions. These actions underscore the delicate balance Ukrainian authorities face between maintaining security under martial law and preserving democratic processes during a period of sustained conflict.