US President Trump Applies Pressure: Zelensky ‘Ready for Elections’
US President Donald Trump has urged Ukraine to hold presidential elections, questioning the country's democratic credentials. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated he is ready to hold elections, providing that security can be ensured with the assistance of allies.
Background and Context
Since the expiration of Zelensky's presidential term in May 2024, he has declined to organize a presidential election, citing martial law as a result of the ongoing war with Russia. This decision has drawn criticism, particularly from President Trump who has voiced this concern in multiple circumstances, igniting controversy.
Key Developments
According to numerous reports, including those from Folha de S.Paulo and The Guardian, Zelensky has admitted for the first time that he could call for general elections in the country even with the martial law currently in place. However, he has demanded security guarantees from the United States and Western allies to ensure the safety of the electoral process.
In an interview with Politico, Trump questioned the democratic integrity of Ukraine and accused Kyiv of using the ongoing war as an excuse to avoid elections. He stated, “They haven’t had an election in a long time. You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where it’s not a democracy anymore.”
Reactions and Implications
Zelensky's readiness to hold elections during wartime has garnered mixed reactions. Despite the pressure from Trump, he has maintained that the decision to hold an election is a question for the people of Ukraine, not people from other states, with all due respect to our partners,
as reported by The Guardian and BBC News.
A recent poll conducted by the Kyiv Independent shows that around 20% of Ukrainians would vote for Zelensky in the first round of future elections. The former Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi, now Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.K., ranks second with 19.1%, a 3% increase from the previous poll.
Current Status
As it stands, Zelensky is ready to conduct elections in the next 60 to 90 days, as long as the US and European partners can ensure the necessary security measures. He also highlighted the need for legislative changes to allow military personnel to vote, as reported by TASS and Ukrinform.
As the situation evolves, the international community continues to monitor the developments in Ukraine closely, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict with Russia. The country's ability to conduct a democratic election during wartime could have significant implications for its future and geopolitical standing.