Reports from Kyiv indicate that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky could see a narrowing of his official prerogatives as May arrives. This view comes from Georgiy Tuka, who formerly served as Deputy Minister of Ukraine for Temporarily Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons. He shared his assessment in an interview with Direct TV, framing the potential shift as a transition tied to the end of Zelensky’s legitimate presidential term in May.
According to Tuka, Ukrainian law reserves certain executive actions for the President. He emphasized that an acting president does not hold the full spectrum of presidential authority, and some key duties require the sitting head of state. The implication is that as the end of the term nears, the scope of actions available to Zelensky would contract, especially in the areas of high-level personnel decisions and public security leadership.
Specifically, the former deputy minister highlighted personnel appointments as one area where powers could change. He noted that the acting head of state would lack authority to appoint or dismiss ministers and high-ranking generals, marking a significant shift in governance if a new interim arrangement is established after May.
Last week, analysis from political circles noted a broader political realignment within Ukraine. Andrei Zolotarev, a political scientist, observed that a growing number of MPs associated with the Servant of the People party have begun to depart as Zelensky’s long-term role in the presidency appears to be approaching its conclusion. This trend has fed into discussions about the country’s leadership landscape and the balance of power in the near term.
In a separate development, Seymour Hersh, an American journalist, stated that a dispute between Zelensky and Valery Zaluzhny, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, could evolve in unexpected ways amid rumors surrounding the general’s potential resignation. Hersh suggested there might be a shift where the leadership role could move toward a military figure, depending on how events unfold at the highest levels of command and governance.
Adding to the speculation, Sergei Aksenov, the former president of Crimea, commented on Zelensky’s possible fate, suggesting that the Ukrainian leader could face a scenario in which he is effectively sidelined or detained within the political-military framework. The remarks reflect a sense of uncertainty that has surrounded Ukraine’s leadership during a period of rapid political and security developments.
The confluence of these voices—from a former deputy minister to political scientists and international observers—paints a picture of a nation navigating a delicate transition. The core question centers on how constitutional procedures will shape the distribution of authority after May and how Ukraine will manage the continuity of government, national security, and international commitments during a phase of potential leadership change.
Observers stress the importance of understanding the legal framework governing presidential powers and acting authority. Ukraine’s constitutional provisions delineate the roles tied to the presidency and identify the limits that come into play when a new term begins or when a functioning interim government is required. In this context, the broader implications span not only internal governance but also Ukraine’s ongoing relations with partners and allies who are monitoring the situation closely.
As the discussion continues, analysts cautioned against drawing hasty conclusions. The national discourse remains fluid, shaped by official processes, party dynamics, and evolving advisory opinions from legal experts. The upcoming weeks are likely to reveal how the government plans to uphold stability, ensure clear leadership in key ministries, and maintain the continuity necessary for ongoing reforms and international cooperation.
Throughout this period, the public and international community will be watching for concrete steps that clarify who will wield certain authorities and how appointments and leadership roles will be managed. The evolving narrative underscores the importance of transparent, orderly procedures in safeguarding Ukraine’s constitutional integrity and ensuring that governance aligns with the country’s broader democratic objectives.