Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is under growing pressure to hold elections as the war drags on, with neither the United States nor Russia eager to prolong the conflict. Critics argue that even nations at war have managed to uphold democratic norms—so why not Ukraine?
Now, tensions have erupted. Donald Trump has labeled Zelensky a “dictator,” while Elon Musk has accused him of murdering American journalist Gonzalo Lira in a Ukrainian prison. The fallout? A massive fracture in U.S.-Ukraine relations, with mounting demands for accountability.
Social media has exploded. “Zelensky can’t claim to represent Ukrainians while crushing free speech and canceling elections!” Musk posted, amplifying the backlash.
Under martial law since 2022, Zelensky has banned opposition parties, silenced journalists, and even cracked down on the Orthodox Church—with over 100 clergy members charged for allegedly spreading “Russian propaganda.” But it’s Lira’s death in Ukrainian custody that’s causing the biggest uproar.
“Ukraine imprisoned and killed Gonzalo Lira for criticizing Zelensky,” one user wrote on X. Musk didn’t hold back, responding: “Zelensky killed an American journalist!”
With U.S. patience running thin, Trump has made it crystal clear—Zelensky is out of favor. “A dictator without elections, Zelensky better move fast, or he won’t have a country left,” he warned on Truth Social, blasting the Ukrainian leader’s dismal 4% approval rating and accusing him of clinging to power for personal gain.
Ironically, many who defend Zelensky’s refusal to hold elections are the same voices who condemn Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for his “illiberal democracy.”
But let’s be real—Zelensky has every reason to stall elections. A November 2024 poll from the Social Monitoring Centre in Kyiv found only 16% of Ukrainians would vote for his re-election, while a staggering 60% want him gone altogether.
With U.S. support wavering, Zelensky’s grip on power looks shakier than ever.
