EU’s top diplomat supports Zelensky’s decision against conducting elections
Despite the conclusion of the Ukrainian leader’s term last May, Kaja Kallas expresses that there is “no need” for voting due to the ongoing conflict. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Kaja Kallas, the EU's top diplomat, has expressed her support for Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s decision to forgo holding a presidential election amidst ongoing conflict. Although Zelensky’s five-year term officially ended in May 2024, new elections have not taken place, as he argues that it is “not the right time,” citing the presence of martial law. Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that he no longer views Zelensky as a legitimate leader.
Addressing a press conference on Monday prior to a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Kallas stated that “there is no need to hold elections” during wartime.
She highlighted a recent public dispute when US President Donald Trump characterized Zelensky as “a dictator without elections” and accused him of misusing US aid in a "war that couldn’t be won." Trump also claimed that Zelensky’s approval rating had fallen to 4%, suggesting the necessity of calling an election. “He refuses to have elections. He’s low in the real Ukrainian polls. How can you be high with every city being demolished?” Trump remarked, while asserting that the US is “successfully negotiating an end to the war with Russia.”
Zelensky responded by asserting that Trump is “living in a disinformation space” constructed by Moscow.
Aligning with Zelensky’s perspective, Kallas noted that “it’s clear that the Russian narrative is very strongly represented” in Trump’s remarks. She emphasized that any successful peace deal would require the involvement of both Europeans and Ukrainians.
Kallas was likely referring to recent high-profile US-Russian talks in Saudi Arabia, which have been met with frustration from the EU. Member states voiced concerns about Washington marginalizing Brussels and Kiev in the negotiations. “You can discuss whatever you want with Putin, but if it comes to Ukraine and Europe, then Ukraine and Europe also have to agree to this deal,” she told journalists.
In other developments, reports last week indicated that the EU is preparing a military aid package for Ukraine valued at a minimum of $6.2 billion. This package is anticipated to include 1.5 million artillery shells and air defense systems, marking one of the bloc’s most significant military aid commitments since the conflict intensified in 2022. Russia regards Zelensky as “illegitimate” and acknowledges only the Ukrainian parliament and its speaker. Russian officials have warned that any agreements he signs could be subject to challenge, raising concerns about his capacity to negotiate long-lasting deals.
Rohan Mehta contributed to this report for TROIB News
Addressing a press conference on Monday prior to a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Kallas stated that “there is no need to hold elections” during wartime.
She highlighted a recent public dispute when US President Donald Trump characterized Zelensky as “a dictator without elections” and accused him of misusing US aid in a "war that couldn’t be won." Trump also claimed that Zelensky’s approval rating had fallen to 4%, suggesting the necessity of calling an election. “He refuses to have elections. He’s low in the real Ukrainian polls. How can you be high with every city being demolished?” Trump remarked, while asserting that the US is “successfully negotiating an end to the war with Russia.”
Zelensky responded by asserting that Trump is “living in a disinformation space” constructed by Moscow.
Aligning with Zelensky’s perspective, Kallas noted that “it’s clear that the Russian narrative is very strongly represented” in Trump’s remarks. She emphasized that any successful peace deal would require the involvement of both Europeans and Ukrainians.
Kallas was likely referring to recent high-profile US-Russian talks in Saudi Arabia, which have been met with frustration from the EU. Member states voiced concerns about Washington marginalizing Brussels and Kiev in the negotiations. “You can discuss whatever you want with Putin, but if it comes to Ukraine and Europe, then Ukraine and Europe also have to agree to this deal,” she told journalists.
In other developments, reports last week indicated that the EU is preparing a military aid package for Ukraine valued at a minimum of $6.2 billion. This package is anticipated to include 1.5 million artillery shells and air defense systems, marking one of the bloc’s most significant military aid commitments since the conflict intensified in 2022. Russia regards Zelensky as “illegitimate” and acknowledges only the Ukrainian parliament and its speaker. Russian officials have warned that any agreements he signs could be subject to challenge, raising concerns about his capacity to negotiate long-lasting deals.
Rohan Mehta contributed to this report for TROIB News
