U.S. pressures Ukraine for elections amid ceasefire talks
Reuters reports that the United States wants Ukraine to hold elections this year if an agreement is reached with Russia.
According to the Reuters news agency, the United States is advocating for elections in Ukraine if Kyiv reaches a ceasefire agreement with Russia. A high-ranking official from President Donald Trump's circle emphasizes that the elections could be held this year.
Donald Trump and his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, are working on a plan to end the war that began in February 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine. The plan includes negotiating an agreement in the first months of the new administration.
Trump's plan is still evolving, and political decisions have not yet been made. However, as reported by Reuters, the White House is considering urging Ukraine to agree to elections as part of an initial truce with Russia. Two people familiar with the talks have confirmed this information.
Preliminary ceasefire?
Trump's circle is also debating the possibility of a preliminary ceasefire before negotiating a permanent agreement between Moscow and Kyiv. Reuters emphasizes that presidential elections in Ukraine could result in a leader capable of handling long-term negotiations with Russia.
It is unclear how this proposal will be received in Kyiv. A source in the Ukrainian government indicated that the Trump administration has not yet formally approached Ukraine with a request to hold presidential elections by the end of the year. Volodymyr Zelensky's term ends in 2024. However, holding elections is impossible due to the martial law introduced in 2022.
Source: Reuters
