President Trump’s envoy Kellogg calls for Ukraine to hold elections by year-end if truce with Russia possible soon
The United States (U.S.) President – Donald Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia – Keith Kellogg, has said that Ukraine must hold Presidential and Parliamentary elections, potentially by the end of the year, contingent on the possibility of securing a truce with Russia in the coming months.
The 5–year term of the President of Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was supposed to end in 2024, but Presidential and Parliamentary polls cannot be held under martial law, which Ukraine imposed in February 2022, following the invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking to the media, Kellogg said, “Most democratic nations have elections in their time of war. I think it is important they do so. I think it is good for democracy. That’s the beauty of a solid democracy, you have more than one person potentially running.”
Trump and Kellogg have indicated that the Administration is working on a plan to broker a peace deal within the first few months of a new term. However, details of the plan remain sparse, with no definitive policy decisions announced yet. They have offered few details about their strategy for ending the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II.
Zelenskyy had previously stated that elections could be held if active fighting ceases and robust security guarantees are established to prevent future Russian aggression.
A Senior Ukrainian Government Official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that there has been no formal request from the Trump Administration for Ukraine to hold elections by year-end. Kyiv has expressed concerns that elections amid ongoing security threats could destabilize the country, divide leadership, and open the door to Russian influence operations.
The Kremlin has seized upon the issue of Ukrainian elections to question the legitimacy of Zelenskyy’s leadership. The President of Russia – Vladimir Putin, has argued that Zelenskyy lacks the legal authority to sign binding agreements without a renewed electoral mandate. However, Putin has left the door open for negotiations, provided Zelenskyy revokes a 2022 decree that prohibits talks with Russia as long as Putin remains in power. The Ukraine also said Putin was using the election issue as a false excuse to disrupt future negotiations.
The Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia – Sergei Ryabkov recently indicated that direct contacts between Moscow and the Trump Administration have not yet commenced. Meanwhile, Russia awaits U.S. approval for its new Ambassador to Washington, with the post currently vacant.
Zelenskyy continues to seek U.S. and European security guarantees as part of any deal, including the deployment of a foreign military force on the frontlines, to ensure Russia abides by any truce.
