US President Donald Trump has called for Ukraine to hold elections, questioning the country’s democratic process and renewing his criticism of President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In an interview published Tuesday by Politico, Trump argued that Kyiv is “using war not to hold an election,” referring to the postponement of polls under martial law imposed following Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Trump said, “I think it’s an important time to hold an election. They’re using war not to hold an election, but I would think the Ukrainian people would… should have that choice. You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where it’s not a democracy anymore.” Without martial law, Ukraine would have been due to hold its presidential election in March 2024.
He reiterated criticisms he previously made regarding Zelensky, suggesting that the Ukrainian leader had not reviewed the US plan aimed at ending the conflict. “Maybe he’s read it over the night. It would be nice if he would read it. You know, a lot of people are dying,” Trump said.
He also suggested that Russia has the “upper hand” due to being “much bigger,” and noted that Ukraine had already lost territory before his administration. He added that losses have continued over the past 10 months.
Trump further attributed difficulties in peace negotiations to personal animosity between Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting, “Part of the problem is that Zelensky and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, really hate each other, and it’s very hard for them to try and make a deal.” He also criticized Europe’s role, claiming, “Europe is not doing a good job in many ways. They talk, but they don’t produce. And the war just keeps going on and on. I mean, four years now it’s been going on, long before I got here.”
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s European allies reaffirmed support for Kyiv during a visit to London on Monday, with Zelensky insisting that the country has “no right” to cede territories claimed by Moscow to Russia.
What you should know
US President Donald Trump has called for Ukrainian elections to proceed, suggesting the ongoing war is being used to delay the democratic process.
He criticized President Zelensky, Russia, and Europe’s role in the conflict, asserting that Moscow has the upper hand and that territorial losses have been ongoing.
Trump’s remarks highlight continuing debates over Ukraine’s wartime governance and international support for the country.
