Introduction
In a development that has sent ripples across international diplomatic circles, Pulitzer Prize-winning American journalist Seymour Hersh has claimed that the United States is allegedly preparing to remove Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky from office—potentially by force. Hersh, known for his groundbreaking investigative journalism over the decades, made this revelation through Russian media, adding a dramatic dimension to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
According to Hersh, the Biden administration has lost confidence in Zelensky’s leadership and is now considering extreme measures to facilitate a leadership transition in Ukraine. The claim comes amid rising political and military instability, growing internal dissent within Ukraine, and waning support from Western allies.
Background: Who is Seymour Hersh?
Seymour Hersh is a well-respected investigative journalist who has contributed significantly to exposing high-level government operations, including the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War and the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse scandal in Iraq. Given his track record, any claim he makes tends to attract significant attention, though it is often met with both skepticism and interest due to the sensitive nature of the topics he tackles.
The Allegation: Forced Removal of Zelensky
According to Hersh, the United States has decided that President Zelensky’s time in office must come to an end. Hersh alleges that if Zelensky refuses to resign voluntarily, he may be removed by force. He emphasized that this change is not optional and is likely to be implemented within the next few months.
He further added that this development stems from growing frustration in Washington regarding Zelensky’s approach to the war with Russia. U.S. officials are reportedly alarmed by Ukraine’s deteriorating military position and Zelensky’s reluctance to consider diplomatic alternatives.
Valery Zaluzhny: The Possible Successor
Hersh named Valery Zaluzhny, the former Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as the most probable successor to Zelensky. Zaluzhny is a highly respected military leader in Ukraine, often referred to as the “Steel General” for his resolute leadership during the early months of Russia’s invasion.
However, Zaluzhny fell out with Zelensky over strategic differences and was eventually dismissed from his military position in February 2024. General Oleksandr Syrsky was appointed in his place. Later, Zaluzhny was assigned as Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, a role previously held by Vadym Prystaiko, who was fired after criticizing Zelensky’s leadership.
Internal and External Discontent
Hersh highlighted that both within Ukraine and in U.S. policy circles, there is a growing consensus that the war against Russia is unwinnable in its current form. According to him, many officials believe that Ukraine should now seek a negotiated settlement with Russian President Vladimir Putin instead of continuing with a prolonged and costly war.
This belief aligns with growing public discontent in Ukraine, where citizens are increasingly frustrated by the continuation of martial law, economic instability, and widespread destruction. The longer the war drags on without a clear path to victory, the harder it becomes for Zelensky to maintain internal support.
Tensions Between Zelensky and the U.S.
Seymour Hersh also recalled an incident during a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. During this interaction, Trump allegedly criticized Zelensky directly, referring to him as a “dictator without an election” and noting that Zelensky’s approval rating had plummeted to just 4%.
This clash was seen as a clear indicator of the eroding U.S.-Ukraine relationship and foreshadowed a significant shift in how Washington perceives its role in Ukraine. Hersh believes that this sentiment has only grown stronger among U.S. officials and is now guiding the effort to replace Zelensky.
Zelensky’s Controversial Term Extension
Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that President Zelensky’s constitutional term officially ended on May 20, 2024. However, citing martial law and ongoing war conditions, Zelensky postponed the scheduled presidential elections indefinitely. This decision has been heavily criticized by opposition figures, civil rights activists, and international observers, who view it as an undemocratic power grab.
The suspension of elections has further diminished Zelensky’s domestic and international credibility, providing additional justification for those advocating his removal. Critics argue that democracy cannot be suspended indefinitely, even during wartime.
Historical Context: The Rise and Fall of Zelensky
Volodymyr Zelensky, a former comedian and actor, rose to power in 2019 with promises of transparency, anti-corruption reforms, and peace in Eastern Ukraine. Initially viewed as a political outsider, he quickly gained massive popularity, riding a wave of populist sentiment and anti-establishment rhetoric.
However, his tenure has been marked by controversies, including accusations of corruption, growing authoritarianism, and ineffective handling of the war. The turning point came in February 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. While Zelensky initially received global acclaim for his leadership during the crisis, the prolonged conflict and escalating death toll have led to increasing disillusionment.
Hersh’s Predictions and Past Accuracy
Seymour Hersh has previously made several predictions about global events, some of which have turned out to be accurate. Earlier this year, he predicted that Zelensky would not survive politically through 2025. He argued that the ongoing war, combined with growing internal dissent and international fatigue, would ultimately lead to Zelensky’s downfall.
Given the current developments, including widespread dissatisfaction within the Ukrainian military and diplomatic corps, Hersh’s prediction may not be far off the mark.
The Role of the United States Moving Forward
The United States has been Ukraine’s most important ally in its war against Russia, providing billions of dollars in military aid, intelligence, and diplomatic support. However, the Biden administration is now under increasing pressure from both the public and Congress to reconsider its open-ended support for Ukraine.
The emergence of strong political opposition in the U.S., especially from Republicans skeptical of further foreign entanglements, has also contributed to the reevaluation of American policy toward Ukraine. Removing Zelensky and installing a more pragmatic leader like Zaluzhny might be seen as a way to reset U.S.-Ukraine relations and explore diplomatic avenues.
Reactions from Ukraine and the Global Community
There has been no official response from the Ukrainian government regarding Hersh’s claims. However, unofficial sources suggest that Zelensky’s team is aware of the growing pressure from the West and is making behind-the-scenes efforts to maintain support.
Internationally, the possibility of forcibly removing a sitting president has raised ethical and legal questions. Human rights groups and international observers have warned that such a move could set a dangerous precedent and undermine democratic principles.
Conclusion
Seymour Hersh’s explosive claims have reignited debate over the future of Ukraine’s leadership and the role of the United States in shaping that future. While these claims have yet to be confirmed, they reflect a growing sense of urgency among global policymakers to find a resolution to the conflict.
Whether Zelensky will step down voluntarily or be removed through more coercive means remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the political dynamics in Ukraine are shifting rapidly, and the coming months may bring transformative changes that will affect the course of the war—and the fate of Eastern Europe as a whole.
