Zelensky is not the problem

Disappointing to read some talking heads in the Western media arguing that Zelensky is now the problem and should step aside - see article therein in the UK’s Daily Telegraph:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/07/24/zelensky-must-go-for-sake-of-ukraine/

Excuse my French, but what complete and utter bollocks.

Zelensky has made a mistake on the anti-corruption agenda - reining in the independence of NABU and SAPO - but I think this is more case of bad advice from a support structure increasingly now dominated by his chief of staff, Yermak.

If anything Yermak should fall on his sword, not Zelensky, albeit the president's figure head style of government suggests he is overly reliant on Yermak to do the dirty work of government so who should/can replace him?

I don't think anyone thinks that Zelensky is personally corrupt - but Ukraine has a serious problem with corruption. I speak to people in the military industrial complex and they say it is rampant, increasing and undermining the war effort. Before the full scale invasion corruption was the number one challenge facing Ukraine - a constant source of complaint from business and hence Western donors. We can go into the reasons for this - its not that Ukrainians are more amenable to corruption than Estonians, Brits, or Poles, its just how the post Soviet transition transpired in Ukraine relative to other countries in the region. Therein I think the lack of an EU accession anchor was important, but also for Ukraine, and many EM's, it was also developed countries that facilitated corruption themselves by too easily accepting the illicit earnings from corruption into their banking systems with weak KYC and too few questions asked. If corrupt individuals cannot park and then use their illicit gains maybe they would have an interest in changing their own systems from within.

But we are where we are - corruption is a huge problem, it needs to be addressed in peace and war, but the number one priority is obviously winning the war. And therein while some might like to stall financial flows to Ukraine to hold Zelensky to account for his latest failure on the issue of corruption, its not practicable as it would put Ukrainian soldiers at a disadvantage and a Russian victory more likely. And lets be clear if Russia wins, Ukraine is not going to suddenly see its problems with corruption cleared up - they will multiply and get much worse.

In this war though Zelensky has proven to be a brave and astute leader. He has led from the front, with numerous visits to the front line. His personal chemistry with Western leaders has been a decisive factor in rallying the West and others in support of Ukraine. I just do not see any alternative to Zelensky in Ukraine at this point in time - and likely most Ukrainians think that. Indeed, I cannot imagine Zelensky wanting to continue in office in peacetime - the huge physical and emotional drain would suggests he opts for an easier life outside of office. But while he remains as president Zelensky just needs to learn and reset what he has done with respect to NABU and SAPO, respecting the strong opinions of Ukraine's myriad of anti-corruption NGOs, and likely some HR changes are needed the presidential palace. The overconcentration of power around Yermak is not healthy - there needs to be checks and balances, and the cabinet reshuffle last week removed them.

Net-net though, removing Zelensky would be a huge victory for Putin. Zelensky is not the impediment to a Ukrainian victory, Putin is.