403
Sorry!!
Error! We're sorry, but the page you were
looking for doesn't exist.
Trump envoy says Ukraine will conduct elections
(MENAFN) Ukraine has agreed to hold a presidential election, according to Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy. In an interview with Tucker Carlson published on Friday, Witkoff confirmed that elections will take place, despite Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s previous refusal to hold them under martial law.
Zelensky’s five-year term expired in May 2024, but he delayed elections citing wartime conditions. Russian President Vladimir Putin has since declared that he no longer recognizes Zelensky as Ukraine’s legitimate leader, arguing that this could hinder peace negotiations.
Earlier this year, Trump criticized Zelensky, calling him a “dictator without elections” and claiming that he had lost popularity at home.
When asked by Carlson whether Ukraine would hold elections, Witkoff responded affirmatively:
“Yes. They’ve agreed to it. There will be elections in Ukraine.”
He described Zelensky’s current situation as difficult, given Russia’s larger population and nuclear capabilities.
“He’s got to know that he’s going to get ground down. Now is the best time for him to get a deal done. President Trump can deliver him the best possible deal,” Witkoff stated.
He also warned that continued Western aid to Ukraine is unsustainable unless there is a clear roadmap for ending the conflict:
“We just can’t forever give money.”
According to Politico, Trump’s team has been in talks with Zelensky’s political opponents, including former President Pyotr Poroshenko and former Prime Minister Yulia Timoshenko. While both leaders confirmed discussions with Trump’s administration, they remain opposed to elections until the conflict with Russia is resolved.
Zelensky’s five-year term expired in May 2024, but he delayed elections citing wartime conditions. Russian President Vladimir Putin has since declared that he no longer recognizes Zelensky as Ukraine’s legitimate leader, arguing that this could hinder peace negotiations.
Earlier this year, Trump criticized Zelensky, calling him a “dictator without elections” and claiming that he had lost popularity at home.
When asked by Carlson whether Ukraine would hold elections, Witkoff responded affirmatively:
“Yes. They’ve agreed to it. There will be elections in Ukraine.”
He described Zelensky’s current situation as difficult, given Russia’s larger population and nuclear capabilities.
“He’s got to know that he’s going to get ground down. Now is the best time for him to get a deal done. President Trump can deliver him the best possible deal,” Witkoff stated.
He also warned that continued Western aid to Ukraine is unsustainable unless there is a clear roadmap for ending the conflict:
“We just can’t forever give money.”
According to Politico, Trump’s team has been in talks with Zelensky’s political opponents, including former President Pyotr Poroshenko and former Prime Minister Yulia Timoshenko. While both leaders confirmed discussions with Trump’s administration, they remain opposed to elections until the conflict with Russia is resolved.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Comments
No comment