Former Armed Forces of Ukraine Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi and legendary Azov commander Andriy Biletskyi: sounds like an action movie plot? Yet political analysts are already modeling this scenario, with fresh polling adding fuel to the fire. If these two unite, they could secure over 39% of the vote and take control of the Verkhovna Rada. This is according to Ihor Reiterovych, head of political and legal programs at the Ukrainian Center for Civil Development. In times of ongoing war with elections on the horizon, such an alliance could become a true “assault brigade” in politics. But are these “iron” men ready for such a turn? Let’s examine the details that have already shaken up the political scene.
September 2025 brought unexpected surprises to Ukraine’s political establishment. According to the Socis Center for Social and Marketing Research, a hypothetical party led by Valerii Zaluzhnyi leads with an impressive 31.8% support—5-7% higher than in August. Andriy Biletskyi’s bloc isn’t far behind: 7.4% of respondents are ready to vote for him, also record growth. Compared to other players—from Servant of the People to opposition forces—these two are showing the strongest momentum.
Why? Zaluzhnyi, dubbed the “Iron General,” symbolizes resilience. His dismissal as commander-in-chief in February 2024 didn’t diminish his popularity; on the contrary, it added mystique. Meanwhile, Biletskyi, founder of Azov and current commander of the Third Army Corps, embodies radical patriotism. The Socis poll, conducted with the “Barometer of Public Sentiment,” reveals that Ukrainians are tired of “Kyiv intrigues” and want leaders from the front. In the presidential race, Zaluzhnyi is breathing down Zelenskyy’s neck—26.6% versus 29.2%, and in a second round, 45.4% back the general. Though niche, Biletskyi attracts youth and veterans—those who believe in “bold ventures,” as he himself jokes.
Reiterovych isn’t just stating facts; he’s modeling scenarios. “In the context of political modeling, an alliance between Zaluzhnyi and Biletskyi is possible. In that case, they could secure a parliamentary majority,” the expert writes. Together, that’s nearly 40% of mandates—enough for a coalition that could rewrite the rules of the game in the Rada.
The Bond Between Zaluzhnyi and Biletskyi
The relationship between Zaluzhnyi and Biletskyi isn’t merely collegial—it’s genuinely warm, like a campfire in a trench. Recently, Zaluzhnyi publicly congratulated Biletskyi on his promotion to brigadier general. “Thank you for your service, for creating the Third Assault Brigade, our shared combat path, friendship, and faith in the plans and ideas of autumn 2021,” the former commander-in-chief wrote. This wasn’t a dry “congratulations” but an emotional letter from a friend who remembers how it all began.
The political elite immediately sniffed out the “signal.” “They say someone in political circles perceived this gesture as a public signal of the Iron General’s readiness to ally with the corps commander,” Reiterovych comments. Biletskyi, for his part, recently praised Zaluzhnyi for “easy cooperation and the ability to communicate bold ventures.” Perhaps these “ventures”—about counteroffensives or reforms—will now shift from the front to parliamentary corridors? The expert doesn’t rule it out: “Perhaps now these plans will be implemented in the political sphere.”
Such a duo makes sense: Zaluzhnyi is the strategist, Biletskyi the tactician. Together they could become an “anti-crisis bloc”—strong in defense but also in reforms. Imagine a Rada where veterans dictate terms, not “Kvartal 95” showmen.
Opposition and Support
Not everyone savors this “bromance.” Part of the opposition camp—from European Solidarity to radical Telegram channels—was outraged by Zaluzhnyi’s congratulations. “Betrayal! The general is betraying patriots for an ‘Azov man’!” echoes in the comments. Blogger Iryna Mudrenko, known for her directness, couldn’t hold back: “Biletskyi gathered thousands of ideological volunteers, has developed the most effective recruitment system in the country since Azov’s days, and united people into real effective military structures—the Third Assault and now the Third Army Corps.”
She’s right: Biletskyi isn’t an “armchair general” but someone who built an army from scratch. His corps are elite units holding the line in Donbas. “The front is tough and hot. So why shouldn’t Zaluzhnyi have a working relationship with Biletskyi?” Mudrenko asks rhetorically. The outrage, in her view, is jealousy: an opposition that has criticized the government from couches for years can’t accept that real heroes are entering big politics.
Socis experts add that Biletskyi’s growth comes amid fatigue with old elites. His 7.4% isn’t a mass following but a loyal core that can mobilize thousands at the polls.
A Real Trend
A Zaluzhnyi-Biletskyi alliance isn’t fantasy but a real trend. In 2026, with parliamentary (and possibly snap) elections approaching, such a pairing could become an alternative to Zelenskyy. Socis ratings show Ukrainians want change, but not chaos—stability from those who know war from the inside. Reiterovych sees this as a chance for a “new force”: patriotic, military, yet reformist.
Of course, risks exist. Zaluzhnyi is a diplomat, Biletskyi a fiery orator—will sparks fly? And won’t the “old guard” exploit this for discreditation? But in times when the front needs resources and the rear needs hope, such a duo could be a catalyst. “Warm relations” are already half the battle. The rest is up to the people.
Will we see a “generals’ majority” in the Rada? For now, it’s models and ratings. But if Zaluzhnyi and Biletskyi say “yes,” Ukrainian politics will change forever. Are you ready to vote for the front? Socis polling suggests: yes, millions are.