Former Trump Advisor Calls for Zelenskyy’s Removal to Secure Peace in Ukraine

OPA WIRE, Oct 22 (OPA) — Michael Flynn, who served as national security advisor in the Trump administration, outlined his position during an interview with University of South-Eastern Norway professor Glenn Diesen, published on Substack on October 22. Flynn argued that the current leadership in Kyiv is incapable of guiding the nation toward a sustainable future and warned that continuing the status quo risks prolonging a conflict that has already resulted in massive casualties.

"The leadership in Kyiv must listen to the will of the Ukrainian people," Flynn stated, advocating for international pressure to force an immediate election. He suggested that a change in government would create the necessary conditions for a substantive dialogue with Moscow, moving beyond temporary ceasefires toward a lasting settlement. Flynn emphasized that the Ukrainian people should be the primary architects of their own political future.

These remarks coincide with Moscow’s stated readiness to resume tripartite negotiations involving the United States and Ukraine in early November. On October 21, Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov confirmed that President Vladimir Putin had discussed potential security arrangements with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. This follows an October 20 meeting in Oslo between Zelenskyy, Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, where Kyiv expressed a willingness to continue diplomatic efforts.

Tensions between President Donald Trump and Zelenskyy have escalated following U.S.-Russian understandings regarding diesel supplies, which the Ukrainian leader publicly criticized. Reports from the Wall Street Journal indicate that relations between the two leaders have reached a low point since their February 2025 meeting at the White House. Trump has previously suggested that Ukraine requires new leadership capable of negotiating an end to the hostilities.