Under Pressure from Trump, Zelenskyy Signals Readiness for Wartime Elections

Facing mounting pressure from the United States, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signaled a dramatic shift in policy, stating he is ready to hold elections despite the ongoing war. The announcement came shortly after President Donald Trump publicly questioned the legitimacy of Ukraine’s democracy, noting that the country has not held a vote in a long time. Trump suggested to media outlets that Zelenskyy, whose official term ended in May 2024, might not win a new contest, stating, “It gets to a point where it’s not a democracy anymore.”
For months, the consensus within Ukraine has been that holding elections under martial law would be dangerous, illegal, and likely to play into Russia’s hands. However, the external pressure from the White House has forced a recalculation in Kyiv. Zelenskyy responded on Tuesday evening by asking the US and European partners to provide proposals on how to ensure security for voters and poll workers. He indicated that if these safety guarantees are met, Ukraine could be ready to go to the polls within 60 to 90 days. “I personally have the will and readiness for this,” Zelenskyy affirmed.
This political turmoil arrives at a precarious time for the Ukrainian leadership. Zelenskyy is already navigating a severe domestic crisis following a corruption scandal that led to the dismissal of Andriy Yermak, his chief of staff and closest confidant since the invasion began. The removal of such a powerful figure has shaken the administration just as it faces its most significant diplomatic test. Critics and supporters alike are watching closely to see if a hasty election will destabilize the country further or satisfy American demands for democratic validation.
While the political drama unfolds, the battlefield situation remains dire. Russian forces are continuing their assaults on key strategic cities, including Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad. Russian generals have claimed significant advances, and Ukrainian military sources describe the street battles in Myrnohrad as “absolute hell.” The disconnect between the deadly reality on the frontline and the political maneuvering in distant capitals is becoming increasingly stark as soldiers fight for survival while leaders debate ballot boxes.
The move toward elections is intertwined with the broader push for a peace settlement. As Zelenskyy prepares to join leaders like Keir Starmer and Friedrich Merz for a crucial video call, he must balance the demands of the battlefield with the political ultimatums coming from Washington. With Trump’s envoys engaging directly with the Kremlin and Russian officials praising the US approach, Zelenskyy finds himself fighting a war on two fronts: against Russian aggression in the east and for his political survival on the international stage.