Donald Trump, former U.S. President, has once again urged elections to be held in Ukraine, questioning the democratic nature of Ukrainian authorities due to the prolonged absence of elections during wartime. Such statements come amid tense personal relations between Trump and President Zelensky, which deteriorated after their notorious phone call and the subsequent Burisma affair during Trump’s first term.
Experts note that Trump’s current pressure is driven by his eagerness to quickly end the war and secure a compromise, even at the potential political cost to Kyiv. Zelensky is in a challenging position, facing dwindling U.S. military support and an uncertain European stance on aid and defense funding for Ukraine.
On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces have been forced to retreat in some areas under Russian pressure—a fact used by Trump to reinforce his narrative. He claims Russia has a resource advantage, and that Ukraine is losing territory, further stressing the need for a peace agreement as soon as possible.
A significant part of the discussion is the question of the legitimacy of Ukrainian authority and the potential impact of elections on Ukraine’s political environment. Some analysts note that by repeating Putin’s narratives, Trump strengthens Russia's negotiating stance and political pressure, aiming to enable a power shift in Kyiv that would be advantageous for Moscow.
The European Union has said elections are possible after suitable conditions are met, and President Zelensky has shown readiness, but practical prospects remain uncertain amid ongoing hostilities. U.S. pressure—especially Trump’s—is a part of the broader negotiating strategy regarding the war’s future resolution and Ukraine’s political direction.
