Zelenskyy Open to Elections in Ukraine, Seeks US Security Assistance

Jakarta –

This statement came after United States President Donald Trump criticized Ukraine in an interview with the daily Politico. According to him, it is time for the government in Kyiv to hold elections, even though it is prohibited by the constitution.

Speaking to journalists, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy admitted, “I personally have the will and readiness for that,” he said.

“Now I ask,and I say this openly,that the United States,perhaps together with our European partners,help ensure security for the holding of the elections,” he said.

He explained that in order to hold the vote, Ukraine would need to change the constitution, because it prohibits holding elections under martial law status.

Ukraine has not held any elections as Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022. Zelenskyy’s five-year term actually ends in May 2024. Additionally, there are concerns that Moscow could try to derail the elections and install a pro-Russian leader.

Ukraine faces US pressure

Negotiators from the US and Ukraine wrapped up three days of talks at the weekend to try to narrow differences in the Trump governance’s plea