Volodymyr Zelensky remains in Ukraine despite Russian rumours that he has fled abroad. In fact, the Ukrainian president has not wanted to flee the country, even though the U.S. side suggested it from the start.
As reported by the New York Times, the United States and the West are concerned about what will happen if Zelensky is killed or captured during the Russian invasion. In fact, Anthony Blinken, in an interview with CBS, said that the Ukrainians have a plan for "continuity of government one way or another" if Zelensky is killed.
"The Ukrainians have plans, but I'm not going to say any more than that," the U.S. Secretary of State added.
We should note that from the first hours of the war, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had stressed that Zelensky should find a safe haven as he considers him a rival to Vladimir Putin, and noted that he would support an "exiled" government.
The big bet
US and Western concerns, as the New York Times reported in a story, start with the intention that Ukraine remain an independent country even if Russia finds a way to impose a puppet government. Having a recognized independent leader would prevent those backed by Moscow from gaining legitimacy.
The "loopholes" in the Ukrainian constitution
This issue has "lit a fire", officials say, because the Ukrainian constitution has some uncertainties and because Zelensky refuses to leave his country.
But there are also some practical and legal issues.
European Union and NATO countries have publicized their military and financial donations as a way to show their support for Ukraine.
European countries have sent automatic weapons, anti-aircraft missiles, anti-tank weapons, and defensive equipment to show that they intend to support Ukraine militarily against the Russian invasion.
Continuing public support moves will be much easier with a functioning government that accepts aid even if it is in western Ukraine or a neighboring country such as Poland or Romania.
What is being discussed in the White House if Russia occupies Kiev
Over the past week, the NYT reports, there have been intense deliberations in the White House and in closed meetings, focusing on how to provide aid to Ukraine if Russia occupies Kiev. In such a case, Joe Biden's administration intends to continue to supply open arms to Ukrainian forces.
U.S. officials are pressing the Ukrainians not to allow senior members of the line of succession to stay in the same place for too long and have also given advice to shelter in safer areas outside Kiev, a person with knowledge of the discussions notes.
The US and its allies would like the Ukrainian government to set up a headquarters in another area, ready in case the capital falls, and there is a suggestion of a retreat to the Carpathian Mountains, where there is a presidential resort. Ukrainian officials, however, point out that this particular residence lacks the necessary defensive specifications.
Who can succeed Zelensky
Under the Ukrainian constitution, the deputy or the speaker of the parliament can succeed Zelensky as president. This position is currently held by Ruslan Stefanciuk, a pro-Western advocate and former close associate of Zelensky.
Last Monday it was Stefanciuk who signed with the president the request for Ukraine's EU membership, and on Friday he participated in a teleconference with the president of the European Parliament.
Western officials note that Stefanchuk and others are high on the succession list and are determined to continue to fight the battle against the Russian invasion.
For their part, Ukrainian officials show reluctance to move Stefanchuk, but tell their allies that they understand the need to ensure the next day.
The "tangles"
Beyond the speaker of the parliament, the order of succession is not entirely clear. For example, when both Zelensky and Stefanchuk nodded with coronavirus in 2020, Ukrainian lawmakers noted that the prime minister, Denis Smichal, should be third in the line of succession.
Blinken and Smichal at an earlier meeting
The Ukrainian constitution provides for the positions of two deputies for the speaker of the parliament, but does not explain whether they also enter the line of succession to the president.
The warnings that preceded
For several weeks, even before the Russian invasion, Russia and Britain had been warning of Moscow's plan to overthrow Zelensky, and despite the fact that he publicly pursued heroic rhetoric, behind closed doors he took the threat much more seriously.
It is worth noting that the CIA chief, on one of his visits to Kiev, had discussed at length with the president any information he had and had also warned him about the safety of his family.
Source: in.gr
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