“Trump Pushes for New Elections in Ukraine — Warns Kyiv It Risks ‘Not a Democracy Anymore’”

U.S. President Donald J. Trump has renewed his call for elections in Ukraine, pressing Volodymyr Zelenskyy to allow a national vote—even as the country remains embroiled in war. During a recent interview, Trump argued that Ukraine’s prolonged postponement of elections under wartime conditions has eroded its democratic character. “They haven’t had an election in a long time,” he told reporters. “You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where it’s not a democracy anymore.”

Under Ukraine’s current martial law—declared after Russia’s 2022 invasion—elections have been constitutionally prohibited. Despite this, Trump insisted that the Ukrainian people “should have that choice,” hinting that continued postponement undermines legitimacy. 

Trump also questioned the leadership of Zelenskyy, suggesting that wartime conditions are being used as a pretext to avoid a genuine democratic process. “Maybe Zelenskyy would win—I don’t know who would win,” he said, “but they haven’t had an election in a long time.”

Responding to the pressure, Zelenskyy said Ukraine could be willing to hold elections—but only if legal and security conditions permit. He asked international allies for support to guarantee voter safety and signaled plans to explore legal amendments that could allow elections despite martial law. 

Still, the practical and ethical challenges remain substantial. Ukraine is fighting a full-scale war, millions of citizens are displaced, many soldiers are on the front lines, and parts of the country remain under occupation—conditions widely considered incompatible with free and fair elections. Critics argue that pushing for a vote now could destabilize both the war effort and Ukraine’s fragile internal unity.

As the diplomatic pressure mounts, Kyiv—and its Western allies—faces a difficult balancing act: reconciling democratic legitimacy with the harsh reality of war. Whether Ukraine proceeds with elections, changes its constitution, or holds off until hostilities subside could shape not only its political future but also broader wartime legitimacy and international support.