Perspective: How Ukraine’s comedian-candidate could disappoint the Kremlin
Supporters of actor, comedian and presidential candidate Volodymyr Zelensky clash with supporters of President Petro Poroshenko ahead of their rally in front of the Zelensky campaign headquarters in Kiev, Ukraine, on April 9. By Steven Pifer Steven Pifer, a William Perry fellow at Stanford’s Center for International Security and Cooperation, served as U.S. ambassador to Ukraine in 1998-2000.
So far, none of his professed foreign policy views would please the Kremlin. He blames Russia for the war, calls on Moscow to return both Crimea and the Donbass and says he will pursue Ukraine’s course of integration into Europe, including joining the European Union and NATO. Corruption weakens the Ukrainian state, and Russia exploits that. If Zelensky can curb corruption, including the outsize political influence of the country’s oligarchs, he will cut Russian levers of influence. Likewise, if advisers such as Danylyuk and Abromavicius can help him improve the economy, establish real courts, draw foreign investment and increase growth, that will bolster Ukraine’s overall resilience.
Finally, presidential authority is not unlimited. The president shares power with the Rada , which has its own elections in October, and a prime minister appointed by the Rada. The prime minister selects most cabinet ministers.
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