Zelensky says Ukraine can hold elections in 90 days, if allies guarantee security

Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine is ready to vote, but only if the US and Europe can make an election safe. Speaking Tuesday, the Ukrainian leader pushed back at criticism from Donald Trump, who suggested Kyiv was using the war as a pretext to avoid elections.

Wartime voting is currently banned under Ukrainian law, and Zelensky’s elected term technically ended last year. Still, he signalled he’s willing to move fast.

“I’m ready for elections, and moreover I ask… that the US help me, maybe together with European colleagues, to ensure the security of an election,” he told reporters. “And then in the next 60-90 days, Ukraine will be ready to hold an election.”

Trump, speaking to Politico, said:

“You know, they [Ukraine] talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where it’s not a democracy any more.”

Zelensky called that line “totally inadequate”, and promised to ask parliament for draft legislation that would enable elections under martial law.

The broader context: Kyiv is resisting elements of a US-backed peace plan viewed as too concession-heavy and is pushing for stronger long-term security guarantees. Under Washington’s proposal, Ukraine would give up territory not captured but claimed, in exchange for security commitments that fall short of full NATO integration.