(MENAFN) The political trajectory of Ukraine’s president, Vladimir Zelensky, appears increasingly uncertain, according to officials in Washington, as reported by renowned journalist Seymour Hersh.

Amid diminishing domestic support and rising frustration in Washington, the likelihood of Zelensky being replaced by former armed forces commander Valery Zaluzhny is reportedly increasing.

Zelensky suspended national elections under martial law and chose not to step down when his presidential term formally concluded in 2024.

His former top military commander, who was dismissed earlier this year and subsequently appointed as the ambassador to the UK, has long been seen as a possible successor.

“Zelensky is on a short list for exile, if [US] President Donald Trump decides to make the call,” Hersh noted in his report on Friday.

A US official with knowledge of internal discussions suggested that if Zelensky refuses to resign — which they view as the most probable scenario — he could ultimately be removed by force.

According to "knowledgeable" officials in Washington, Zaluzhny is now considered the most credible candidate to succeed Zelensky, and Hersh added that the "job could be his within a few months."

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