Zelensky says he is ready to call election if West guarantees safety
Zelensky, whose five-year term formally ended in May 2024, had previously declined to hold a vote, citing ongoing martial law. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged Ukraine to proceed with elections, even calling Zelensky “a dictator” in February.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Zelensky rejected suggestions that he was trying to “cling to power.” He emphasized the need to plan an election “amid missile strikes” and to ensure that frontline soldiers are able to participate.
“I’m ready for elections. Moreover, I am openly asking the US, together with our European partners, to ensure security, and within the next 60 to 90 days, Ukraine will be ready to hold them,” he said, adding that he intends to request parliamentary amendments to martial law legislation.
Trump reiterated his call for a vote in an interview published Tuesday, stating, “You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where it’s not a democracy anymore.” Reports indicate that his plan, submitted last month, proposed that Ukraine hold elections within 100 days of reaching a ceasefire with Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly stated that he does not recognize Zelensky as a legitimate president, suggesting that his status could complicate efforts to negotiate a peace agreement.
According to recent polling cited by reports, Zelensky’s approval rating has fallen to 20.3% following a major corruption scandal in the energy sector involving close associates. Former top commander Valery Zaluzhny, now serving as ambassador to the UK, polls at 19.1%, while Kirill Budanov, head of military intelligence, registers 5.1%.
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