Fatimah Otunsanya
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Tuesday that he is prepared to hold new national elections, provided that adequate security measures can be guaranteed.
He also revealed plans to submit revised proposals to the United States within the next day on ways to end the nearly four-year conflict with Russia.
The move comes amid pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has urged Kyiv to accept a deal drafted by Washington, a plan critics say favors Russia too heavily
We are working on this today and will continue tomorrow. I expect to hand over our response then,” Zelensky told reporters after consultations with European allies.
Trump, speaking to Politico, accused Zelensky of failing to review the latest US proposals and suggested that Russia currently holds the advantage in the ongoing conflict.
He also criticized Kyiv for allegedly using the war as a pretext to postpone elections, which were delayed under martial law imposed following Russia’s invasion.
“You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where it’s not a democracy anymore,” Trump said.
Ukrainian law prohibits elections under martial law, a condition that had postponed the presidential vote originally scheduled for March 2024.
Responding to Trump’s comments, Zelensky confirmed his readiness to proceed with new elections.
“I am ready for the elections,” Zelensky stated, adding that he has asked Ukrainian lawmakers to draft proposals to amend electoral laws to allow a vote during martial law conditions.
He emphasized that ensuring the safety of voters and candidates is a prerequisite, citing ongoing Russian missile and drone strikes targeting Ukrainian cities.
I am openly requesting assistance from the United States, possibly in coordination with our European partners, to guarantee security for holding elections,” Zelensky said.