Video Volodimir Zelenski, put in difficulty by Donald Trump on the topic of election in Ukraine. Kiev leader's response
Volodimir Zelenski and Donald Trump in the White House Oval Office, Monday, August 18, 2025. Credit: Aaron Schwartz / Upi / Profimedia
Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski on Monday stated in the statements made in the Oval Office of the White House, that it is open to the possibility of organizing elections in his country if the war with Russia ends and such an poll can be safely carried out.
Volodimir Zelenski moved to Washington on Monday for the discussions organized by US President Donald Trump with his Ukrainian counterpart and European leaders for a possible conclusion of the Ukraine war. The head of the White House spoke on Friday with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, and said he would have a conversation with him after the Monday meetings.
Asked about his willingness to organize elections in Ukraine, a problem brought by Donald Trump on several occasions, Zelenski said: “Yes, of course, we are open to elections.
The President of Ukraine added that a warrist in the war is necessary so that the Ukrainians have the opportunity to organize legal, open and democratic elections.
In Ukraine, the elections are currently suspended based on the martial law.
The two leaders were polite throughout the press statements they made in the White House Oval Office, as opposed to their tense meeting in February, but Donald Trump at one point in difficulty.
The American leader interrupted the Ukrainian counterpart, saying: “So you say that during the war you cannot have elections?”.
Smiling, Donald Trump continued: “So let me say that in three and a half years-you mean that if we happen to be in war with someone there will be no elections?”.
Zelenski laughed and replied, “No, no.”
