If you’re sitting there wondering who is the current president of Ukraine, you probably already know the name Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It's hard to miss him. But the "who" part of that question has become a lot more complicated lately. We’re in January 2026, and the guy who once played a president on TV before actually becoming one is now the second-longest-serving leader in Ukraine’s history.
Honestly, it’s a weird situation. Technically, his five-year term was supposed to end back in May 2024. But here we are. Because of the full-scale invasion and the ongoing martial law, elections have been sidelined. You can't really set up ballot boxes when drones are buzzing overhead and millions of your voters are living in different time zones as refugees.
So, yeah, Zelenskyy is still the guy. He’s the one meeting with senators in Kyiv and trying to figure out how to keep the heat on during a winter where the temperatures are dropping way below freezing.
Why is Zelenskyy Still the President in 2026?
People ask this a lot, especially outside of Ukraine. Some critics, including some voices in the U.S., have been poking at the idea that he’s "clinging to power." But if you look at the Ukrainian Constitution, it’s actually pretty clear. Article 108 basically says the incumbent stays in the seat until a new person is sworn in.
And you can’t swear in a new person if you can’t hold an election.
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Martial law—which has been extended over and over, most recently through early February 2026—legally forbids national elections. It's not just a Zelenskyy thing; it's a "the country is literally under attack" thing. Most Ukrainians actually seem to agree with this. A poll from just a few days ago showed only about 10% of the population thinks they should be voting while the war is still Raging.
The Political Shuffle of 2026
Even though he's still in charge, Zelenskyy’s inner circle looks way different than it did a year ago. You’ve probably heard about the massive reshuffle he pulled off recently. He’s trying to "neutralize" rivals and bring in fresh blood to handle the pressure from the new Trump administration in Washington.
- Mykhailo Fedorov: The digital whiz kid who’s been around since 2019 is now the Defence Minister. He replaced Denys Shmyhal because the focus has shifted entirely to "technological scaling"—basically, winning the war with drones and code.
- Kyrylo Budanov: The former intel chief is now Zelenskyy’s Chief of Staff. This was a huge move. Budanov is popular, and by bringing him into the office, Zelenskyy sorta keeps a potential political challenger close while using his expertise for peace negotiations.
- The Yermak Exit: Andriy Yermak, who was once considered the most powerful man in Ukraine behind the president, resigned after a mess of corruption scandals.
It's a lot of moving parts. Zelenskyy is trying to balance the demands of the frontline with the intense political pressure coming from allies who want to see a "peace framework" finalized.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Election Delay
There’s this narrative that the war is just an excuse to avoid a vote. But imagine trying to run a campaign right now. How do you let the soldiers in the trenches vote? How do you ensure a polling station in Kharkiv doesn't get hit by a missile?
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Zelenskyy recently told reporters that he’s actually ready for elections—if the U.S. and Europe can guarantee the security of the vote. He even suggested a 60-to-90-day window to get it done if those guarantees show up. But honestly, it feels like a bit of a stalemate.
The "Iron General" in the Shadows
If an election did happen tomorrow, the current president of Ukraine might actually have a real fight on his hands. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the former commander-in-chief who is currently the ambassador to the UK, is still a massive figure in the public eye.
Some polls suggest Zaluzhnyi actually leads Zelenskyy in popularity—something like 23% to 20%. People call him the "Iron General." He hasn’t said he’s running—in fact, he’s said the opposite—but in politics, "no" often means "maybe later."
The Reality of Governing in January 2026
Being the president of Ukraine right now isn't about photo ops; it's about survival. As we speak, Russia is "weaponizing winter" again. Just last week, they launched over 240 drones in a single night. Zelenskyy’s day-to-day is spent pleading for air defense missiles and trying to fix a power grid that’s being systematically dismantled.
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He’s also in a delicate dance with the U.S. envoys, specifically Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. They’re working on documents for a possible ceasefire, but the terms are brutal. Russia still refuses to allow European peacekeepers on the ground, and Ukraine isn't exactly thrilled about ceding territory.
Key Challenges for the President Today:
- Energy Security: Half of Kyiv was recently left without heat. The president has to manage the "winter crisis" while civilian infrastructure is targeted.
- The Trump Factor: Navigating a U.S. administration that is pushing for a quick end to the war, which might not align with Ukraine's "sovereignty" goals.
- Corruption Battles: The recent arrest of opposition figure Yulia Tymoshenko on bribery charges has sparked claims that Zelenskyy is "clearing the field" before a potential vote.
Actionable Insights for Following the Situation
If you want to stay informed about who is the current president of Ukraine and what they're actually doing, don't just look at the headlines. The situation changes every few days.
- Check the Official Source: The President of Ukraine's official website is surprisingly transparent with daily transcripts of his speeches. It’s the best way to see his specific priorities.
- Follow the Reshuffle: Watch how Mykhailo Fedorov handles the defense portfolio. His success or failure with drone tech will likely dictate if Zelenskyy stays popular through 2026.
- Monitor the Security Guarantees: The "Paris Declaration" signed on January 6, 2026, is the current blueprint for peace. Keep an eye on whether the U.S. actually signs onto the trilateral agreement with France and the UK.
- Look for the Martial Law Updates: Every 90 days, the parliament (Verkhovna Rada) votes on extending martial law. If they ever don't extend it, that’s your signal that an election is finally coming.
The bottom line? Volodymyr Zelenskyy is still the president, and he’s likely staying there until the "hot" phase of this war finds some kind of resolution. Whether that makes him a hero or a "term-extender" depends entirely on who you ask and how the next few months of negotiations play out.