US, Dec 11 : US President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of Kyiv on Wednesday, saying Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “has to be realistic” about the war and questioning when Ukraine intends to hold its next national election. His remarks came shortly after speaking separately with leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom conversations he said focused heavily on the situation in Ukraine.
Trump claimed that European leaders are seeking a joint meeting involving the US and Ukraine as early as this weekend. “They would like to have a meeting this weekend with both of us, and we’ll make a determination depending on what they come back with,” he told reporters.
Push for peace proposal and comments on Zelenskyy’s mandate
The comments follow days of Trump urging Zelenskyy to consider a peace proposal that could end the conflict triggered by Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. During a Q&A session, Trump suggested Kyiv may need to adjust its expectations, remarking: “I think he has to be realistic,” while also asking, “How long is it going to be until they have an election?”
As the war moves into its third year, questions over Zelenskyy’s mandate have resurfaced, amplified by Trump’s recent public criticism. In an interview with Politico, Trump accused Zelenskyy of “clinging on to power” and questioned Ukraine’s democratic credentials, saying, “They haven’t had an election in a long time… it gets to a point where it’s not a democracy anymore.”
Zelenskyy pushes back, reaffirms constitutional limits
Zelenskyy responded firmly, saying he is prepared to organise elections within three months if Ukraine’s parliament and international partners approve. Clearly irritated, he emphasised that decisions about Ukraine’s electoral process belong solely to its citizens. “This is a question for the people of Ukraine, not people from other states, with all due respect to our partners,” he said.
Although Zelenskyy’s five-year term expired in May 2024, Ukraine’s constitution prohibits national elections during martial law—conditions imposed since the Russian invasion. Even his domestic political opponents acknowledge that elections would be unsafe and logistically impossible due to missile attacks, mass displacement, and millions of soldiers deployed on the front lines.
Europe backs Zelenskyy, Russia disputes legitimacy
European leaders have reiterated support for Zelenskyy’s continued legitimacy. On Tuesday, the European Commission stressed that elections should only be held when security conditions permit. EU spokesperson Anitta Hipper highlighted that Ukraine is facing “exceptional times” and stated that Zelenskyy remains the democratically elected leader.
Russia, meanwhile, rejects Zelenskyy’s authority, arguing that his term has expired and claiming Ukraine no longer has a lawful head of state. Moscow has used this argument to avoid binding negotiations, saying it cannot engage with someone it labels “illegitimate.” Ukraine and Western partners maintain Zelenskyy remains the lawful president under wartime constitutional provisions.
Diplomatic tensions complicate peace prospects
This divide has fueled a diplomatic impasse, complicating ceasefire talks and delaying humanitarian arrangements—including potential prisoner exchanges. With the conflict grinding on and major powers divided over the political timeline in Kyiv, the debate over Ukraine’s election schedule has become a central point of international contention.