During a press conference Tuesday, President Donald Trump called for Ukraine to hold elections, saying the country should reassess its leadership as part of ongoing efforts to end the war with Russia. His comments came after his delegation held talks with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia.
Trump highlighted that Ukraine has been under martial law since 2022 and has not held presidential elections as scheduled. “We have a situation where we haven’t had elections in Ukraine, where we have martial law, essentially martial law in Ukraine,” he said, emphasizing the need for a democratic process.
Uh oh… 👀
President Trump believes Ukraine should hold a New Presidential Election Before Signing a Peace Deal with Russia
• The last time Ukraine held a presidential election was on March 31, 2019, with a runoff on April 21, 2019.
• Ukraine is currently under martial law.… pic.twitter.com/HolVQ02jDq
— Bluegrasspatriot (@kylawndog) February 19, 2025
His remarks came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed frustration that Ukraine was excluded from recent peace discussions. In response, Trump suggested that before Ukraine demands a seat at the table, its citizens should have the opportunity to elect their leadership.
Why is scared of an election then?
Why is Zelensky banning any other political parties?Definitely siding with Trump on this.
US has 300,000+ Ukraine refugees that have to go back soon.
— Sophie Barclay (@graphictx) February 19, 2025
Trump also criticized Zelensky’s leadership, claiming that his approval rating had plummeted to 4%. Polls, however, indicate the Ukrainian president still holds support above 50%. Trump questioned why elections had not been held, saying it was not just a Russian demand but an expectation from other countries as well.
WTF cares??
Trump is trying to make peace and Zilinsky is an unelected dictator.
When Ukraine holds an actual election and allows the people of Ukraine to decide what they want to do in their country, then we’ll have a serious conversation.
— Mountain Mama (@MountainMama400) February 19, 2025
Additionally, Trump raised concerns about US financial assistance to Ukraine, calling for greater accountability. “He accused European nations of not contributing enough and said there had been no clear explanation of where US aid money has gone.”
How come Ukraine hasn’t had an election in over 8 years??
Because Zelenskyy will not allow them to have an election!
Sounds like democracy to me!
His theory is he’s at war! So no time for elections!
I guess if we’re at war, Trump stays President till it’s over? 😂
— Jason Taylor (@jasontoddtaylor) February 19, 2025
Zelensky has previously said that holding an election during wartime would create unnecessary divisions and disrupt Ukraine’s ability to fight Russia. Ukraine’s last scheduled presidential election in April 2024 was postponed under martial law.
