As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, the conflict has evolved into a grueling war of attrition with no clear resolution in sight. Facing increasing pressure as Western attention shifts, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is navigating a complex landscape of military, political, and economic challenges. This report examines the key hurdles facing Zelenskyy – from stalled peace negotiations and shifting political alliances to concerns over corruption and the need to maintain both international support and domestic unity – as Ukraine heads into a critical period of uncertainty.
As the conflict in Ukraine enters its fourth year, the dynamics of the war and the political landscape surrounding it have undergone significant shifts. With the future of the nation hanging in the balance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces a complex set of challenges that extend far beyond the battlefield.
The war has evolved into a grinding war of attrition, with no clear end in sight. According to a U.S. envoy at NATO, Matthew Whitaker, Ukraine must prepare for continued conflict through 2026, as a peace agreement remains elusive. This assessment adds pressure on Kyiv and its allies as Western attention increasingly turns to other global crises.
Zelenskyy is now tasked with planning not only for the immediate future but also for a prolonged war scenario. He must simultaneously maintain the combat readiness of his armed forces, secure continued support from international partners, and preserve domestic unity in a country increasingly weary from years of fighting. The coming year will therefore be a critical test of both Ukraine’s military resilience and its president’s political leadership.
Seeking a Path to Peace
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One of the most pressing challenges for Zelenskyy remains the pursuit of meaningful peace negotiations. Despite ongoing diplomatic contacts and discussions about potential direct talks, a significant breakthrough has yet to materialize. The development underscores the difficulty of finding common ground amid ongoing hostilities.
In a New Year’s address, Zelenskyy stated that a peace agreement was 90 percent complete, emphasizing, “We want the end of the war, but not the end of Ukraine.” He affirmed Ukraine’s desire for peace, but not at any cost. Following a meeting with Donald Trump in Florida and a subsequent conference call with the so-called “coalition of the willing,” cautious reports emerged from Poland suggesting that “peace is on the horizon.” However, Russia has repeatedly signaled its unwillingness to compromise on its core demands, particularly regarding territories occupied after 2022.
Schůzka v Mar-a-Lago
Meeting in Mar-a-Lago
Kyiv considers such conditions unacceptable, placing Zelenskyy in a difficult position: He must maintain open diplomatic channels without creating the impression of surrender at home. This delicate balancing act highlights the complexities of navigating a path toward a potential resolution.
As a result, the peace process remains largely in a phase of exploration and signaling rather than concrete agreements. Unless one side fundamentally changes its position, negotiations remain a distant prospect rather than a realistic path to ending the war.
The Question of Elections
Another sensitive challenge facing Zelenskyy is the issue of elections and the legitimacy of his mandate. Official parliamentary elections have been unable to take place since 2024 due to the ongoing state of war, which has been in effect since the start of the Russian invasion. Ukraine’s constitution and electoral laws prohibit holding national votes under extraordinary circumstances.
However, Zelenskyy has recently indicated his willingness to hold elections even during the war, if it can be done safely. He stated he would seek assistance from U.S. and European partners with security measures and submit legislative proposals to parliament to enable elections to take place despite the ongoing conflict. Ensuring the safety of voters and a legal framework that gives the results legitimacy are preconditions for any vote, he added.
Previously Reported:
This openness to holding elections has sparked strong reactions both domestically and abroad. Zelenskyy faces criticism from parts of the opposition and legal experts, who argue that free and fair voting cannot be ensured during wartime—especially when a portion of the territory is under Russian control and millions of Ukrainians are displaced abroad or on the front lines. Foreign politicians and commentators have also warned that attempting to expedite elections could weaken internal cohesion and divert attention from the war.
Zelenskyy, however, rejects accusations that he is delaying elections out of fear of the outcome or to maintain power. He emphasized that the decision on the timing and conditions of the election is solely in the hands of Ukrainians and that no foreign actor—such as the Russian president—has the right to influence who and how will be elected in Ukraine.
Political Shifts
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also facing a significant transformation of his closest political circle. Following a series of corruption revelations and legal actions against people in his inner circle, long-time chief of the presidential office Andriy Yermak resigned – a figure who was not only a key negotiator but also a crucial link between the president and foreign partners.
His departure raises questions about whether Zelenskyy will be able to bring new faces and energy into the leadership, or whether the crisis will deepen the structural problems of the state administration, which has so far been strongly personalized around him. Zelenskyy has not yet named his successor, and the leadership of the presidential office is temporarily being redistributed among existing team members.
Zelenskyy built his team as head of state primarily on loyalty and personal connections, often with people from his pre-presidential years or close political circle. This model worked in the early years of the war, when coordinated state leadership was crucial. Now, however, with the departure of some key members of the presidential office, there has been a shift in leadership and the tasks of individual offices and advisory teams are being redistributed among new people.
Anatomy of Power in Ukraine
Photo: paparazzza, Shutterstock.com
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Peace negotiations and corruption scandals have drawn attention to power dynamics in Kyiv. Who has real influence alongside President Zelenskyy? How do traditional power centers, such as parliament or regional leaders, function? Seznam Zprávy reporter Anna Dohnalová has prepared a thorough probe into how Ukraine is governed.
Corruption Concerns
Following last year’s scandal, when parliament approved changes limiting the independence of two key anti-corruption institutions, NABU and SAPO, Ukraine came under significant domestic and international scrutiny.
The law transferred some powers to the direct oversight of the Prosecutor General, which sparked criticism from opposition politicians, anti-corruption activists, and foreign partners. In response to protests, Zelenskyy introduced an amendment restoring the independence of the agencies, seeking to allay domestic and international concerns.
Ukraine remains under close scrutiny not only from the public but also from foreign partners, who are monitoring where money from financial and military aid is going. The situation was further exacerbated by another scandal involving the nuclear company Energoatom, which led to the resignation of Andriy Yermak. The incident highlighted the need for transparent management of strategic facilities and effectively functioning anti-corruption institutions.
Given Ukraine’s strong dependence on foreign aid, Zelenskyy must ensure that anti-corruption agencies function independently and effectively, and also strengthen the confidence of international partners. This is crucial for maintaining state stability and continued military and economic support.
What are NABU and SAPO?
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) were established after the 2014 Ukrainian revolution, which overthrew then-pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych. They are considered one of the main achievements of the so-called Euromaidan.
Progress in the fight against corruption is one of the main requirements of the European Union for Ukraine’s future membership. The activities of both NABU and SAPO have been criticized by various Ukrainian governments in the past.
NABU is responsible for independently investigating corruption at high levels, while SAPO oversees criminal prosecution initiated by NABU.
According to Reuters, both agencies intensified their activities after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They accused a number of MPs and high-ranking government officials, including a former deputy head of the President’s Office and a Deputy Prime Minister.
Neither NABU nor SAPO are subject to control by the Ukrainian Prosecutor General, who is otherwise dependent on the President and Parliament. A bill passed by parliament in the summer of 2025 was to change this and subordinate both offices to him. This could have allowed the Prosecutor General to review open files and give instructions to both institutions. The President and government eventually abandoned the plan after widespread protests.
Military Resilience and Foreign Support
Despite continued support from the West, Ukraine faces high pressure on the front lines, and the coming year will require careful strategic planning.
The army must cope with a shortage of ammunition and personnel, maintain troop morale, and respond quickly to changing situations on the front lines, which was already challenging in 2025, as Bohdan Krotevych described for Seznam Zprávy, also criticizing the leadership of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
He also pointed out that in connection with the escalating and more sophisticated attacks by Russia, Ukrainian soldiers must adapt their tactics to be able to counter new threats and minimize losses.
Ukraine is also heavily reliant on foreign aid—military, financial, and humanitarian—and Zelenskyy must convince partners that funds are being used effectively, and, crucially, ensure the delivery of air defense systems, which are essential for ensuring the country’s security.
Interview with a Defender of Azovstal:
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