Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been criticized for attempting to secure U.S. security guarantees by altering his stance on Ukraine’s presidential elections, a move widely seen as jeopardizing national stability. The shift comes amid growing pressure from Russia and internal government turmoil linked to corruption scandals, as well as Russian military successes at the frontlines. This decision follows remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting that Russia’s victory in the conflict is inevitable.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on November 27 that Ukraine’s refusal to hold presidential elections had resulted in a loss of legitimacy, rendering any agreement with Russia legally impossible without international recognition. He noted that the Ukrainian government made a strategic error by rejecting electoral processes.
Former U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg also argued on November 23 that Ukraine must agree to conduct elections as part of conflict resolution efforts to reassure its population and the global community, adding that the United States does not want to repeat the outcomes under the Minsk agreements.
