Trump calls on Ukraine to hold elections to replace President Zelenskyy

(CLO) US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced that Ukraine should hold elections to replace President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying the country has maintained martial law for too long.

Speaking at Mar-a-Lago after the US delegation concluded talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia, Mr Trump said Ukraine had not held presidential elections as planned in April 2024, and asserted that Mr Zelenskyy only had a "4% approval rating", although polls showed his approval rating was still above 50%.

US President Donald Trump. Photo: White House

Mr. Trump asserted that not only Russia but many other countries also want Ukraine to hold elections. He also criticized Mr. Zelenskyy for using US aid without transparency, emphasizing that Washington has transferred hundreds of billions of dollars to Ukraine but has not seen any specific financial reports.

Mr. Trump also caused controversy when he declared that Ukraine was the one who "started" the war with Russia.

Mr Trump’s tone toward Mr Zelensky changed dramatically after his phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his delegation’s talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia. While he said he “liked” Mr Zelensky personally, he stressed that it was important to “get the job done” and end the war.

The Ukrainian president has previously warned that holding elections at this time could cause political divisions, while the country needs to prioritize defense. He also expressed surprise that no Ukrainian officials were invited to the talks in Saudi Arabia, despite Ukraine being directly affected by the nearly three-year war with Russia.

Ngoc Anh (according to NYP, NBC)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ong-trump-keu-goi-ukraine-bau-cu-noi-ty-le-ung-ho-tong-thong-zelenskyy-rat-thap-post335147.html