Ukraine Opposition Rejects Trump’s Call for Mid-War Elections

The leaders of Ukraine’s opposition have rejected the idea of holding elections during the ongoing war, despite pressure from Donald Trump. The response came after reports emerged that American officials had contacted opposition leaders following Trump’s statement suggesting President Zelenskyy step down in exchange for peace and NATO membership for Ukraine. Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko stated that his team is working with American ‘partners’ to maintain support for Ukraine but opposes holding elections during wartime. In a written statement on Telegram, Poroshenko clarified that elections should only be held after peace is restored and suggested any vote could occur no sooner than 180 days after the war ends. Yulia Tymoshenko, another key opposition leader, emphasized that her group is discussing ways to secure a fair peace as soon as possible with all allies and stressed that elections cannot precede achieving peace. According to Politico, four individuals close to Trump engaged in talks with major political opponents of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, including Tymoshenko and members of Poroshenko’s party. Under Ukrainian electoral law, elections cannot be held during wartime, and Zelenskyy has offered to resign in exchange for peace and NATO membership.