- Trump urges Ukraine to hold new elections, criticizes Kyiv for “exploiting the war,” and calls Europe “decayed” and led by “weak people.”
- Zelenskyy says Ukraine is ready to hold elections within 60–90 days if the US and allies guarantee voter security, while planning legislation to allow voting during martial law.
US President Donald Trump called for new elections in Ukraine and accused Europe of failing to end the ongoing war with Russia. In an interview with Politico on Tuesday, Trump said, “I think the time has come” for elections, alleging that Kyiv was “exploiting the war” to avoid holding them.
Trump reiterated criticisms of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, claiming he had not reviewed Trump’s peace plan. “Many people are dying. It would be really good if he read it,” Trump added, asserting that Russia enjoys a military advantage and is “much larger” than Ukraine. He also launched a sharp attack on Europe, labeling it a “decayed” bloc led by “weak people.”
In response, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is ready to hold elections within 60–90 days, provided the United States and other allies can guarantee security for voters. Wartime elections are prohibited under Ukrainian law, and Zelenskyy’s term officially expired last year.
“I’m ready for elections, and moreover I ask… that the US, maybe together with European colleagues, help ensure the security of the election,” Zelenskyy said. He dismissed suggestions that he was clinging to power as “totally inadequate.” He also indicated plans to ask parliament to propose legislation enabling elections during martial law.
Ukraine has consistently rejected the idea of wartime elections due to ongoing Russian air strikes, nearly a million troops on the front, and millions of displaced citizens. The status of voters in Russian-occupied territories and near front lines remains uncertain. Despite public opposition to wartime voting, polls indicate that Ukrainians want new political faces and a refreshed leadership since the last elections in 2019.
