Ukrainian President Zelensky said he was willing to hold new presidential elections with US help early next year. The Ukrainian leader’s remarks followed President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Ukraine was sliding away from democracy.
“Look, I am ready for the elections, and not only that. I am now asking, and I am stating this openly, for the United States of America to help me,” Zelensky told reporters on Tuesday. “In the next 60 to 90 days, Ukraine will be ready to hold elections. I personally have the will and readiness to do so.”
Zelensky’s term in office ended in May 2024. However, the Ukrainian leader has remained in office by claiming it is impossible to hold elections during a time of war, and arguing the Ukrainian constitution forbids holding elections during martial law.
His changing position on elections comes after Trump criticized Ukraine for not holding a presidential vote since 2019. “It’s an important time to hold an election,” Trump told Politico. “They’re using war not to hold an election. … It gets to a point where it’s not a democracy anymore.”
Trump has appeared frustrated with Zelensky over the past week as the Ukrainian leader has refused to sign on to his peace proposal to end the war. The President sent an envoy to Ukraine, giving Zelensky a matter of days to agree to the deal.
Kiev is preparing an alternative peace proposal that includes stronger American security guarantees for Ukraine.
