Trump calls on Ukraine to hold elections and suggested that Zelenskyy could win them

US President Donald Trump said that Ukraine should hold elections, because, in his opinion, they have not been held for a long time.

He said this in an interview with Politico.

Trump noted that Ukraine is allegedly "using the war" as an excuse to postpone the vote, while emphasizing that the Ukrainian people "should have the opportunity to make a choice."

The head of the White House also admitted that incumbent President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could win the elections.

"Maybe Zelenskyy would win. I don't know who would win, but they haven't had elections there for a long time. You know, they talk about democracy, but it gets to the point where it's not democracy anymore," the US President added.

Why elections in Ukraine during war impossible

Elections in Ukraine during the war are extremely difficult and almost impossible for several reasons. In many regions, there are ongoing hostilities, so organizing voting and people's presence at polling stations poses a serious threat to life. In some territories of the country, there is no control by the Ukrainian authorities, and it is physically impossible to hold fair elections there. Delivery of ballots, equipment for polling stations, provision of commissions and observers in the combat zone is almost impossible, and therefore, the military will not be able to vote. Some Ukrainians are abroad, and organizing their expression of will in dozens of countries is impossible.

Recall, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he does not intend to remain in office after the end of the war.

At the same time, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom and former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valeriy Zaluzhnyy said that he does not recognize any ideas of holding elections during the war.

Meanwhile, the draft state budget for 2026 does not provide for financing the elections.

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