US wants Ukraine to hold elections following a ceasefire, says Trump envoy

The United States is advocating for Ukraine to hold elections, possibly by the end of the year, particularly if Kyiv can secure a ceasefire agreement with Russia in the coming months, according to President Donald Trump's top official for Ukraine affairs.

Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, emphasized in an interview that resuming democratic processes in Ukraine is crucial, even amid wartime conditions.

“Most democratic nations conduct elections during conflicts. It’s essential for democracy,” Kellogg stated. “A strong democracy ensures multiple candidates have a chance to run.”

Trump and Kellogg have both expressed intentions to broker an end to the conflict with Russia within the initial months of the new administration. However, specific details about their proposed peace plan remain undisclosed.

Evolving strategy and internal discussions

While no final policy decisions have been made, Trump administration officials have recently deliberated on encouraging Ukraine to organize elections as part of an early truce, sources familiar with the discussions revealed.

These conversations also include the possibility of establishing a temporary ceasefire before negotiating a long-term resolution. If elections proceed, the new Ukrainian leadership would likely be tasked with negotiating a more permanent settlement with Moscow.

It remains uncertain how Kyiv would respond to such a proposal. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has previously indicated that elections could be held if hostilities cease and robust security guarantees are in place to prevent future aggression from Russia.

According to a senior adviser to the Ukrainian government, Trump’s administration has not yet made a formal request for elections to be held by year’s end.

However, the concept has been discussed in prior years under the Biden administration, with U.S. officials stressing that holding elections is vital for upholding democratic legitimacy.

Political and security challenges

Ukrainian law currently prohibits presidential and parliamentary elections under martial law, which has been in effect since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Some Ukrainian officials have resisted previous U.S. calls for elections, arguing that such a move could divide leadership and expose the process to Russian interference.

A former Western official voiced concerns over pushing Ukraine toward elections, suggesting that lifting martial law could have unintended consequences, such as soldiers abandoning their posts, economic instability, and a surge of draft-age men fleeing the country. Additionally, initiating elections could weaken Zelenskiy's authority, fueling political rivalries and instability.

Russia’s position and strategic implications

The Kremlin has previously questioned Zelenskiy’s legitimacy, arguing that without a renewed electoral mandate, he lacks the authority to sign binding agreements. Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly stated that Zelenskiy could participate in negotiations but must first revoke a 2022 decree banning talks with Moscow as long as Putin remains in power.

A Ukrainian government source described Putin’s stance as a tactic to undermine future negotiations. “He is setting a trap—claiming that without elections, he can disregard any agreements Ukraine makes,” the source warned.

Some experts argue that if Trump pressures Kyiv into elections, it may inadvertently align with Russia’s efforts to sideline Zelenskiy. “Trump appears to be reacting to Russian narratives,” a former Western official suggested. “Russia wants Zelenskiy out.”

Uncertain path forward

Despite these discussions, skepticism remains about the feasibility of both a ceasefire and elections soon. Some analysts doubt that either side is prepared to engage in serious peace talks.

While the Kremlin has reiterated its willingness to negotiate without preconditions, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor noted that Putin has not demonstrated genuine commitment to de-escalation.

Meanwhile, Zelenskiy is seeking security assurances from the U.S. and Europe, including the deployment of foreign forces along the frontlines to ensure Russia adheres to any potential truce.

As deliberations continue, the future of Ukraine’s democratic process remains uncertain, with both international and domestic considerations shaping the potential path forward.