Despite Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s term officially ending in May 2024, he has opted against holding elections, citing ongoing conflict and martial law. The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has backed his stance, stating that elections are unnecessary in a time of war.
Speaking ahead of an EU foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels, Kallas emphasized that wartime conditions make elections impractical. Her comments came amid heated international debate, especially after former U.S. President Donald Trump labeled Zelensky a “dictator without elections” and accused him of misusing American aid in a conflict he deemed unwinnable. Trump further claimed that Zelensky’s approval rating had plummeted to 4% and suggested Ukraine should hold an election.
Zelensky, in response, dismissed Trump’s remarks as Russian propaganda. Echoing this sentiment, Kallas argued that Trump’s statements strongly align with Kremlin narratives. She stressed that any potential peace deal must involve both Ukraine and Europe rather than being decided solely through U.S.-Russia negotiations.
Her concerns stem from recent diplomatic tensions between the EU and the U.S. regarding high-level talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia. European leaders expressed frustration at being left out of discussions, warning that agreements reached without Ukraine and the EU would lack legitimacy.
Meanwhile, reports suggest the EU is finalizing a substantial military aid package for Ukraine, valued at over $6.2 billion. This assistance, expected to include 1.5 million artillery shells and advanced air defense systems, would be one of the EU’s most significant military commitments since the conflict escalated in 2022.
Moscow, however, has dismissed Zelensky’s legitimacy, recognizing only Ukraine’s parliament and its speaker. Russian officials argue that any agreements signed by Zelensky could be contested, raising doubts about his authority in international negotiations.
As tensions mount and diplomatic rifts deepen, the question of Ukraine’s leadership and the war’s trajectory remains a focal point on the global stage.
