Under Donald Trump’s Pressure, Zelensky Agrees to Hold Elections During War- With One Major Condition

New York: Amidst the long war with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing two-way pressure from America. On the one hand, Donald Trump is emphasizing the need for elections, and on the other hand, he is also setting conditions for taking “difficult decisions” to start peace talks. On both issues, Zelensky bluntly said that the direction in which Ukraine will go will be decided not by America but by the people of Ukraine.

Did America increase the pressure?

In a recent interview, Trump insisted that Ukraine is postponing the elections under the guise of war. He said that “it has been a long time that elections have not been held,” and because of this, democracy is in danger.  His statement started a fresh debate in Ukraine. Is election possible amid war, and can democracy survive under the pressure of war?

What did Trump say, and why did the controversy escalate?

Trump alleged in an interview that Zelensky is “clinging to power” because elections have not been held in Ukraine since 2022. He even said that “Ukraine is no longer a democracy.” Zelensky responded strongly to this accusation, saying that this was a question only for the Ukrainian people, not for any other country—"even “if it is the United States.”

What condition did Zelensky set for holding elections?

Zelenskyy responded immediately. He says that this decision is not of any other country but of the people of Ukraine. He said that they are ready to hold elections, but this is possible only if security, logistics, and a legal framework are guaranteed. The challenges of voting amid war are great: voting is difficult for soldiers, displaced civilians, and those in war-torn areas, and elections are prohibited by law due to martial law. He said that if Western countries provide security, Ukraine can hold elections in three months. But the reality is that conducting safe voting in the entire country in the midst of war is a very complex task.

What will be Ukraine's bet?

Not only elections, but Trump is also increasing pressure for a peace agreement under American leadership. He says that Russia is in the lead in this war, and Ukraine should agree to the settlement. But Zelenskyy has made it clear that no agreement can be reached without security guarantees. He said that there must be involvement of the public, parliament, and European partners—any kind of pressure is not acceptable to him. 

Public politics or truth of war? What does the public want?

Unnecessary agreements or early elections in Ukraine are costing heavily to both sides. The opposition and many leaders have been opposing the elections, considering the safety of voters, soldiers, and displaced persons.  At the same time, pressure from Western countries—especially America—shows that there are conflicting expectations on both war and diplomacy. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy is working with European leaders to try to balance security guarantees, democracy, and war. 

What's next?

• Now it remains to be seen whether the Ukraine Parliament agrees to changes in martial law and election law.
• How much support can Western partners—especially America and Europe—guarantee?
• How realistic will both elections and peace proposals prove to be in the midst of war?

Zelenskyy says, “The decision belongs to the people, not to any other country.” This reflects not only the complexity of war and diplomacy but also that balancing democracy and security is now more difficult than ever.