Zelenskyy says 'ready for elections' after Trump questions Ukrainian democracy
What's the story
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his readiness to hold wartime elections in the next three months after United States President Donald Trump questioned the state of democracy in Ukraine. "Since this question is raised today by the president of the United States of America, our partners, I will answer very briefly: look, I am ready for elections," Zelenskyy said on Tuesday evening.
Security concerns
Zelenskyy seeks US, European support for election security
To make it happen, Zelenskyy has sought assistance from the United States and European partners to ensure security for these potential elections. "I am asking...the United States to help me, possibly together with European colleagues, to ensure security for the elections," he said. "...and then in the next 60 to 90 days Ukraine will be ready to hold the elections. I personally have the will and readiness for this," he added.
Political tension
Trump's comments on Ukrainian democracy spark controversy
In an interview with Politico, Trump had earlier criticized Ukraine's democratic process, saying, "They haven't had an election in a long time...you know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where it's not a democracy anymore." Zelenskyy, a former actor and comedian, was elected by Ukrainians after a two-round poll in March and April 2019. Zelenskyy's five-year tenure expired in May of last year, but the Ukrainian law forbids elections during wartime.
Opposition stance
Ukrainian opposition voices concerns over wartime elections
Setting aside differences, even his political opponents have stated on numerous occasions that security and political concerns do not allow for an election to be held during wartime. Serhiy Rakhmanin from the Holos party said such an election would "only help the enemy." "He's the commander-in-chief, and the country is in a position where we don't have that luxury, whatever issues we might have with him."