Will Zelenskyy seek a 2nd term as Ukraine's president? First Lady Olena Zelenska divulges

Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska expressed skepticism over whether her husband would lead the country once again after navigating through a war. Appearing on CBS News' 'Face the Nation', Zelenska said that she is uncertain if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would seek another term in 2024. 

Ukraine's First Lady revealed that she has always been apprehensive of his political pursuits. However, if Zelenskyy wishes to run again, she would offer her complete support now that the duo has some experience in the field. "Even when he ran for the first time, I didn't fully endorse it. But if he runs again, if he runs for the second time, if he decided it is necessary — well, we have some experience, we've been there," she said. 

Zelenska acknowledged that Ukraine stands at a vulnerable foundation at the moment during which holding presidential elections could be challenging. Ultimately, her husband's bid to become president again would depend on Ukrainians and their stance on his leadership. 

"It will also depend whether our society would need him as a president, if he will feel that Ukrainian society will no longer wish him to be the president, he will probably not run. But I will support him whatever decision he takes," she declared. The First Lady's remarks come as Ukraine's political fate remains uncertain. 

Fighting a war, can Ukraine still hold presidential elections? 

With Russian attacks frequently shaking up its land and sovereignty, experts have advised Kyiv to push off the elections. After all, wars aren't merely fought on the battleground, but on ballots as well. "The Russians are pushing for this through their secret channels," said one Ukrainian official.

Speaking to the Post, the unnamed official noted that conducting a presidential election would come with serious risks. "There is no situation in which it is possible to have a democratic election during the war," the official added. Recently, Russia held "sham elections" in occupied regions of Ukraine, including Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. 

Wrapping up the elections, Russia’s Central Election Commission announced that the United Russia party secured a landslide win in all four regions as well as in Crimea. The move was vehemently condemned by Kyiv's Western allies. While US Secretary of State Antony Blinken branded the polls as  "illegitimate," the Council of Europe called them "a flagrant violation of international law."