Renowned American journalist Seymour Hersh sparked a sensation in the Ukrainian media space by claiming that President Volodymyr Zelensky would soon be pressured by the US to resign in favor of General Valerii Zaluzhnyi. This statement provoked heated discussions both among supporters and opponents of the current government.
Vitaliy Portnikov points out that the core issue is not only about Zelensky but also about attempts to undermine the legitimacy and stability of Ukrainian state institutions. He emphasizes that a power transfer scenario outside constitutional procedures is implausible and erodes confidence in state governance.
Portnikov notes that Hersh has repeatedly published such "sensations" regarding the Russian-Ukrainian war, none of which have ever been confirmed by facts. This includes claims about Ukraine sabotaging the Nord Stream pipeline or European countries pressuring Kyiv to negotiate with Russia.
The journalist also highlights that Hersh's reputation was built on sharp criticism of the United States during the Vietnam War, with his reporting indirectly supporting the interests of the USSR and China. Now, similar information strategies are being used to destabilize Ukraine.
Portnikov underlines that, under Ukrainian law, in case of a presidential resignation, the head of the Parliament would temporarily assume presidential duties—speculation about Zaluzhnyi taking over lacks legal grounds. Such scenarios are strictly regulated by the constitution.
In conclusion, Portnikov asserts that spreading such sensations aims to demoralize and weaken Ukrainian statehood, aligning with the interests of Moscow and Beijing. He believes that trust in institutions and civic initiative are key to Ukraine's resilience in the face of external challenges.
