Ukraine has been swept into a dangerous political storm — one that, if left unchecked, could threaten the very state whose independence the first Verkhovna Rada proclaimed on 24 August 1991.
Earlier in my career, I spent years working at the highest levels of government: leading the Prime Minister’s advisory team, serving as an adviser to the Prime Minister, and later to the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada. That work also meant being in constant contact with the President’s full-time advisers, not those serving on a voluntary basis. With that perspective in mind, I want to share a few observations — and outline what I believe could help Ukraine steer through the turbulence ahead.
Working as an adviser taught me one fundamental thing: to give sound, well-grounded advice to the country’s leadership — whether the President, the Prime Minister, or the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada — you have to start by stepping into their shoes. You must imagine that the decision ahead is yours to make. And then you strip away everything personal. No self-interest, no political favourites, no backroom loyalties. The only compass that matters is the national interest and the security of the Ukrainian state.
So what needs to happen right now? Ukraine is at a tipping point. The political chaos at home is starting to grind decision-making to a halt—at a moment when every choice matters. These aren’t the usual political moves; they’re urgent steps the president can take immediately to rebuild trust, get institutions working, and keep the country moving forward.
Address the nation
The president must step up immediately with a clear, firm message to both Parliament and the Ukrainian people: “I, President Volodymyr Zelensky, will not seek and will not accept nomination as a candidate in the next presidential elections of Ukraine.” Saying this openly would instantly cool rising tensions, ease clashes between political forces, and open space to tackle other urgent issues.
Form a coalition
In that same speech, the president could urge Parliament to unite all factions and deputy groups around a new majority—perhaps under a banner like the “Coalition of the Determined” (the name itself isn’t the point). The approach is straightforward: accept the current government’s resignation, let its members keep things running while a new cabinet is formed, and get coalition factions talking immediately to shape the next government. The aim? Fill it with independent professionals—there’s no shortage of capable people ready to step in.
Shake up the President’s Office
It’s time for the president to accept the resignation of the current Head of the Office—something 62.2% of citizens support according to recent polls—along with their deputies, thank them for their service, and bring in a fresh, capable team to steer the office moving forward.
Free the detective
The president should also publicly demand the release of NABU detective Ruslan Magomedrasulov, held in pre-trial detention after carrying out recordings and surveillance of Timur Mindich and others in the “Midas” case. At the same time, give credit to Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies for proving they can operate on the “internal front” as professionally as the Armed Forces do on the battlefield. Kickstart the long-stalled competitions for leadership positions in law enforcement, and press Interpol and its member states to secure the extradition of Tymur Mindich and Oleksandr Tsukerman, the main suspects in the case.
Make the case public
NABU should be pushed to disclose the full details of the “Midas” case — including who was involved, when it took place, which contracts were affected, the sums at stake, and all key players. At the same time, the investigation should be carried out with full transparency, within the bounds of the law, so that every step is open to the public and citizens can clearly see how accountability is being enforced.
Reassure Ukraine’s allies
Ukraine needs to get its message across to leaders of partner countries, both in public and behind the scenes, explaining the case and why it’s now in the public eye. The signal is clear: the country takes accountability seriously, following core European principles of independent investigation and personal responsibility. At the same time, it shows that Ukraine is once again facing — and will overcome — a test of political maturity during wartime, and that this is anything but “just another scandal with no consequences.”
Put state companies under the microscope
The National Audit Office of Ukraine should be requested to launch an unscheduled audit of Energoatom, focusing on its operations and use of state assets and funds during the war years, 2022–2025. Audits of Naftogaz and other major state-owned companies should also be added to its work plan. Once the Energoatom audit is complete, the findings should be made public before the Verkhovna Rada, ensuring maximum transparency for citizens.
The biggest challenge Ukraine faces today is the Russian occupation — the war with Russia. Ukraine’s Armed Forces are holding the front line with extraordinary courage, but even heroes need motivation. And that motivation depends in large part on trust in the government. There’s another piece of this puzzle: the Ukrainian military needs modern weapons from our allies, and that, too, hinges on their confidence in Ukraine’s leadership. That’s why I would urge the president to act decisively, exactly as the moment demands. Doing so would restore trust in the Ukrainian government — trust he personally represents. This is exactly what society expects, what the Armed Forces need, what our allies’ leaders are watching for — and, if I may, what history itself demands.
As for elections, a second term, and all the rest… it all pales in comparison to the immediate threat we must face and neutralise. The stakes could not be higher, and there is no room for hesitation.
