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Trump urges Zelensky to be realistic on Ukraine conflict, elections
(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump has stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky needs to take a realistic approach regarding the ongoing conflict with Russia and the timing of elections.
Zelensky, whose five-year term ended in May 2024, has so far refused to call new elections due to martial law. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy and argued that his status could complicate any potential peace deal.
Trump discussed Ukraine with leaders from the UK, France, and Germany during a phone call on Wednesday. “We discussed Ukraine in pretty strong words, and we’ll see what happens. I mean, we’re waiting to hear answers,” he told reporters at the White House.
“I think [Zelensky] has to be realistic. I do wonder, you know, how long is it going to be till they have an election? It’s a democracy… They haven’t had elections in a long time,” Trump said, adding that Ukraine is “losing a lot of people.”
He suggested that the Ukrainian public would support a peace agreement with Russia. “If you look at the polls, I would say 82% – there was a poll that came out – 82% of the Ukrainian people are demanding a settlement,” Trump noted. He stressed the urgency of resolving the conflict, stating, “We don’t want to be wasting time.”
Reports indicate that Kiev submitted a new peace proposal to the US. Zelensky, who had previously ruled out elections under martial law, signaled on Wednesday that he could call a vote, but only if the US and European allies provide security guarantees.
Zelensky’s approval rating has fallen to 20% following a corruption scandal in the energy sector that implicated close associates and led to resignations of senior officials. Trump has repeatedly urged Zelensky to hold elections, highlighting ongoing corruption as a major challenge for Ukraine.
Zelensky, whose five-year term ended in May 2024, has so far refused to call new elections due to martial law. Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy and argued that his status could complicate any potential peace deal.
Trump discussed Ukraine with leaders from the UK, France, and Germany during a phone call on Wednesday. “We discussed Ukraine in pretty strong words, and we’ll see what happens. I mean, we’re waiting to hear answers,” he told reporters at the White House.
“I think [Zelensky] has to be realistic. I do wonder, you know, how long is it going to be till they have an election? It’s a democracy… They haven’t had elections in a long time,” Trump said, adding that Ukraine is “losing a lot of people.”
He suggested that the Ukrainian public would support a peace agreement with Russia. “If you look at the polls, I would say 82% – there was a poll that came out – 82% of the Ukrainian people are demanding a settlement,” Trump noted. He stressed the urgency of resolving the conflict, stating, “We don’t want to be wasting time.”
Reports indicate that Kiev submitted a new peace proposal to the US. Zelensky, who had previously ruled out elections under martial law, signaled on Wednesday that he could call a vote, but only if the US and European allies provide security guarantees.
Zelensky’s approval rating has fallen to 20% following a corruption scandal in the energy sector that implicated close associates and led to resignations of senior officials. Trump has repeatedly urged Zelensky to hold elections, highlighting ongoing corruption as a major challenge for Ukraine.
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