U.S. seeks Ukrainian elections amid ceasefire negotiations
The United States wants Ukraine to hold elections this year if an agreement is reached with Russia, reports Reuters.
According to the Reuters agency, the United States is advocating for elections in Ukraine if Kyiv can reach an agreement with Russia on a ceasefire. A senior official from President Donald Trump's team emphasises that the elections could take place this year.
Donald Trump and his special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, are working on a plan to end the war that began in February 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The plan involves negotiating an agreement in the early months of the new administration.
Trump's plan is still in development, and political decisions have not yet been finalised. However, as reported by Reuters, the White House is considering encouraging Ukraine to agree to elections as part of an initial truce with Russia. Two people familiar with the discussions confirm this information.
Preliminary ceasefire?
Trump's team is also debating the possibility of a preliminary ceasefire before negotiating a permanent agreement between Moscow and Kyiv. Reuters notes that presidential elections in Ukraine could result in a leader tasked with leading long-term negotiations with Russia.
It is unclear how the proposal will be received in Kyiv. A source in the Ukrainian government stated that the Trump administration has not yet formally asked Ukraine to hold presidential elections by the end of the year. Volodymyr Zelensky's term is due to end in 2024. However, holding elections is currently impossible due to the martial law introduced in 2022.
Source: Reuters
