Trump demands Zelensky hold elections and referendum

According to Ukrainian and Western officials, as well as people familiar with the situation, the move comes amid pressure on Kyiv from the White House to conclude peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in the spring, the Financial Times reports.

Preparations began after the Trump administration demanded that both votes be held by May 15. Otherwise, the country risks losing the security guarantees offered by the US.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky intends to announce the presidential election and referendum on February 24, the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion.

Zelensky and his team have made it clear to the Trump administration that they are prepared for an extremely tight schedule, despite the logistical difficulties of holding elections in a short time frame during wartime.

According to the working schedule, in March and April, the Verkhovna Rada will be busy making the necessary legal changes that will allow elections to be held during wartime.

Ukrainian and Western officials have emphasized that neither the schedule nor the US ultimatum is likely to be met, as they depend on a number of factors, including the possibility of progress in a peace agreement with Putin.

This plan underscores Zelensky's desire to maximize his chances of re-election while reassuring US President Donald Trump that Kyiv is not delaying a peace deal, if one is reached.

Trump has made it clear to Kyiv that US security guarantees depend on the conclusion of a broader peace agreement, which will likely include the transfer of Donbas to Russia, and which Washington wants to finalize by May 15.

The Trump administration had previously set deadlines that have already expired, but Washington is leaving Kiev very little room for maneuver ahead of the US midterm elections.

Photo: screenshot.

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