Trump interviewed by Politico
Reporter: Is now the right time for Ukraine to hold elections? What do you think?
Trump: Yes, I think it's time. It has been a long time since the last election, and the situation in Ukraine is not very good. I believe now is an important time to hold elections. They use the war as an excuse not to hold elections. But I think the people of Ukraine should have this choice, maybe Zelenskyy will win. I don't know who will win, but they haven't held elections for a long time. They talk about democracy all the time, but sometimes it's no longer a democracy.
The original presidential election in Ukraine was scheduled to be held in March 2024, but due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Zelenskyy has repeatedly postponed it, citing the war as the reason. In fact, it's using the war as an excuse to extend his presidential term. Russia does not recognize him as president.
Trump believes that Ukraine should hold the presidential election as soon as possible, allowing the people to have the right to choose, and questioning that prolonged non-elections harm democracy.
The potential intention is political pressure. By using the "democracy" issue to pressure the Zelenskyy government, aiming to push for internal political changes in Ukraine, and create opportunities to initiate talks on terms favorable to the U.S. At the same time, Ukraine has indeed not held a general election for more than three years due to the war.
In response, Zelenskyy said he is willing to hold elections within 60-90 days, but only if the US and Europe can ensure the security of the election.
In fact, it's a strategic move/setting conditions. Transferring the responsibility and difficulty of "whether the election can be held safely" to the United States, indirectly requiring the West to commit to a ceasefire or provide absolute security guarantees. Meanwhile, it starts the process of amending the wartime election law.
The Ukrainian constitution prohibits holding elections during a state of war; under the current combat situation, it is almost impossible to hold a safe, fair, and comprehensive election covering all voters (including refugees and residents of occupied areas).
In summary, Trump's remarks are part of the U.S. policy adjustment towards Ukraine, intended to exert pressure. Zelenskyy's "conditional agreement" is to throw the problem back to the West. In the short term, given the ongoing war and the tense frontline situation, the practical conditions for holding a nationwide election are far from mature.
Zelenskyy is just refusing to step down, and the U.S. really doesn't have many cards.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1851081562980364/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.