Policy

Trump’s paradox: How did his criticism make Zelenskyy even more popular and is there a chance for a second term?

ANALYSIS FROM

Is the unprecedented support for Zelenskyy a response to Trump’s accusations? After the US president’s statements that Volodymyr Zelenskyy is “leading Ukraine to a dictatorship,” the wave of support for the Ukrainian president is gaining momentum. Politicians, diplomats, and public figures-even those who had previously criticized Zelenskyy-are now openly siding with him, emphasizing that no one outside Ukraine has the right to determine its leader. Will these sentiments translate into a new credit for Zelenskyy’s credibility within the country? And how will the West react to the unprecedented rallying of Ukrainians around their leader? These are questions that will determine the course of events. Read more in the article Komersant ukrainskyi.

“He is OUR President. He is who he is,” Dnipro Mayor Borys Filatov said, emphasizing that regardless of one’s attitude toward Zelenskyy, no “lying creature” in Washington or Moscow has the right to dictate to Ukraine whom it should support.

Anatoliy Amelin also expressed support for the President, emphasizing that Zelenskyy is the only legitimate representative of Ukraine in negotiations on the country’s future and its path to peace.

“You may or may not like Zelenskyy, but today the future of Ukraine and European civilization is in his hands, without exaggeration,” he said.

At the diplomatic level, the situation remains difficult, but, as diplomat Valeriy Chaly emphasizes, Ukraine should avoid emotional responses and work to restore ties in Washington.

Threat of chaos or chance for stability: what awaits Ukraine in the elections?

The scenario where Volodymyr Zelenskyy could be elected for a second term is quite real. This was discussed in a commentary for Komersant ukrainskyi political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko said in a commentary for Komersant ukrainskyi. However, a lot will depend on whether Valeriy Zaluzhnyi will run in the election.

“If Zaluzhnyi does not run, Zelenskyi will remain the main favorite. If he does run, then there will be competition, and the election will be held in the format of two main contenders – Zelensky and Zaluzhny,” Volodymyr Fesenko notes.

The political scientist also draws attention to external factors that affect the rating of the current president. In his opinion, Donald Trump’s criticism, as well as Russian propaganda trying to discredit Zelenskyy, on the contrary, cause additional sympathy for him in society.

However, the key issue remains the possibility of holding elections in the current environment. Fesenko emphasizes that they can only be organized if the ceasefire is lifted and martial law is lifted.

“Ukrainians are not against elections, and this should be explained to international partners, including the United States. But the main prerequisite is the cessation of hostilities. Elections that will be held according to a scenario favorable to Russia and its allies are unacceptable. Legalization of pro-Russian forces is a red line for Ukraine,” emphasizes Fesenko.

According to Fesenko, Russia is seeking not only to influence the electoral process, but also to destabilize the situation inside the country. Provoking conflicts between Ukrainians and their Western partners is one of the Kremlin’s key strategies.

“Moscow’s main goal is not revenge, but chaos and division. That is why we should clearly understand the threats and not succumb to provocations,” summarizes Volodymyr Fesenko.

Thus, the scenario of Zelenskyy’s second term remains open, but its implementation will depend on many internal and external factors.

How Trump’s accusations affected Zelenskyy’s support: a psychologist’s explanation

Following US President Donald Trump’s statements about Ukraine, the level of support for Volodymyr Zelenskyy among Ukrainians has increased. At least this is evident from the posts and photos in support of the President of Ukraine on social media. Olha Rudyaka-Petrychenko, a psychologist, trainer, lecturer, member of the Ukrainian Psychological Association and the Ukrainian Union of Psychotherapists, explained why this happened and how it will affect the upcoming elections.

According to her, one of the key factors behind the growth of support for Zelensky was the natural desire of people to unite in the face of a common threat.

“People have a deep need to belong to a group and feel connected to others. A common enemy creates a sense of “us” against “them,” which strengthens identification with one’s own group,” notes Olha Rudyaka-Petrychenko.

The psychologist emphasizes that this mechanism works at the level of the collective unconscious. Fear, anger, and other emotions that arise from an external threat spread throughout society, creating the effect of emotional contagion.

“In a situation of conflict, people tend to polarize – their views become more radical. This can lead to the fact that even those who previously had doubts begin to actively support the common cause and its leaders,” explains Olga Rudyaka-Petrychenko.

Thus, some Ukrainians who might have criticized the government yesterday are now ready to defend it in order to confront the common enemy. At the same time, the psychologist draws attention to another psychological phenomenon: the principle of the opposite.

“I can be not for someone, but against someone else. It’s a natural mechanism: neighbors who quarrel can unite when it comes to protecting common property,” explains Rudyaka-Petrychenko.

According to her, a similar situation is now taking place in the political arena: antagonism to Trump and his statements automatically strengthens support for Zelensky.

However, how long will this unity last? The expert warns that this association may be temporary.

“After the threat passes, internal disagreements may come to the surface again,” emphasizes Olha Rudyaka-Petrychenko.

She adds that not all people are equally susceptible to emotional influence – some retain critical thinking, even in difficult times.

The psychologist emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to decision-making:

• “You should not make important decisions under the influence of emotions and in moments of emotional instability.”
• “Critical thinking and the ability to analyze the situation remain important, even in the context of a joint struggle.”
• “Do not blindly obey leaders or ignore the internal problems of the group.”

So, if elections are held in the near future, the rallying of Ukrainians around Zelenskyy due to external pressure may play to his advantage. At the same time, long-term support will depend on many internal factors, including the economic situation and the further course of the war.