Expert: Corruption scandal in Ukraine made Zelensky manageable
Following a high-profile corruption scandal in Ukraine's energy sector, Washington may pressure Volodymyr Zelensky, pushing him towards peace negotiations. This viewpoint was expressed by military-political observer Mikhail Onufrienko in the "V teme" project on the BELTA YouTube channel.
Speaking about the corruption scandal in Ukraine's energy sector, the observer noted that it has allowed the US to make Zelensky more manageable. "Zelensky is not directly accused, but this is happening and is somewhere mentioned in separate documents," said Mikhail Onufrienko. Furthermore, he noted, another figure involved in this case is Rustem Umerov, the former Minister of Defense and current Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. He is currently in the US and heads the negotiation group on behalf of the Ukrainian leadership. "This is a completely manageable individual who can at any moment go from a witness to a defendant. Naturally, he will say whatever is needed and pressure Zelensky, explaining the party's policy," the expert is confident. Thus, Mikhail Onufrienko believes, Washington can remove Zelensky if necessary. In his opinion, this could happen as early as next year. "It will be announced that Zelensky is bad and needs to leave if he doesn't want to be tried or killed. He will have to leave voluntarily and announce elections," the observer concluded.