Donald Trump has reiterated his call for presidential elections in Ukraine, questioning President Volodymyr Zelensky’s ability to maintain support among the Ukrainian populace during the ongoing war instigated by Russia.
After a journalist highlighted Zelensky’s conditional willingness to hold elections if Russian President Vladimir Putin ceased attacks for 60 days, Trump declared that elections are necessary. “I believe elections are needed, as no one can tell me that the people of Ukraine are satisfied with missiles hitting their homes,” Trump stated.
He remarked that Zelensky has been in power for a considerable time, referencing an interview with a Ukrainian woman who allegedly claimed, “Zelensky has destroyed Ukraine,” suggesting that he sends men to war where they suffer severe injuries or die. Trump did not specify the woman’s name or the source of this claim, nor did he mention that Russia initiated the full-scale invasion and continues the conflict while Ukraine is defending itself and counterattacking.
Trump further implied that it is Zelensky who is unwilling to negotiate peace, expressing that he finds it easier to converse with Putin.
Recent survey results published on October 5 indicated that a significant majority of Ukrainians, 71%, oppose holding elections currently. Furthermore, 42% of respondents believe Zelensky should participate in any electoral process. In contrast, Trump faces his own challenges, with only 34% of American voters approving of his performance as president.
This marks the second time in recent days that Trump has discussed elections in Ukraine. On October 10, he accused Zelensky of allegedly refusing to pursue a peace agreement, despite Zelensky’s repeated expressions of willingness to negotiate, provided it does not lead to Ukraine’s capitulation. Trump emphasized, “It’s time for Ukraine to have a new president,” amidst talks with Putin regarding the supply of Russian diesel to the U.S. and global markets.
Contextually, Ukraine’s next presidential elections were scheduled for spring 2024, but under Article 19 of the Law of Ukraine on the Legal Regime of Martial Law, conducting presidential and parliamentary elections is prohibited during martial law, which has been in effect since February 24, 2022. Western partners have highlighted the need for elections in Ukraine in 2024, but Zelensky has explained that legislative changes and funding are necessary for preparations, along with sending observers to the front lines to ensure legitimacy.
On December 22, 2025, the Ukrainian parliament began preparing a draft law regarding elections during wartime, according to Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk. He noted that this new legislation would be for one-time use only, with 65% of the legislation for post-war elections reportedly completed. Additionally, on August 18, 2026, Fedrov issued a video address to Ukrainians outlining the key challenges facing the state amid the ongoing war, emphasizing the need for a lawful and safe mechanism to conduct elections.
In a CBS News interview published on September 16, Zelensky affirmed his readiness to hold elections “even tomorrow,” but cited constitutional norms, legislative restrictions, and security conditions as barriers to doing so.
