According to foreign media reports on February 1st, U.S. President Trump’s appointed special envoy for the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Keith Kellogg, stated in a recent interview that the U.S. hopes Ukraine can hold elections by the end of 2024, especially if a preliminary ceasefire agreement with Russia is reached. He emphasized that holding elections during wartime is aligned with the practice of most democratic countries and believes Ukraine should resume its normal electoral procedures as soon as possible.
Kellogg pointed out that due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ukraine had previously suspended presidential and parliamentary elections, but these elections “need to be completed.” He believes that holding elections is still very important amid the ongoing conflict, as it will contribute to the stability of Ukrainian politics and provide legitimacy for future peace negotiations.
Trump's Team Plans to Push for Ukrainian Elections
Reportedly, Trump and Kellogg have stated that they are developing a plan aiming to facilitate a ceasefire and promote Ukrainian elections within months of the new U.S. administration taking office. Sources reveal that the plan is still being adjusted and has yet to form concrete policy, but discussions on how to make Ukraine accept this election proposal have begun within Trump’s team.
Informed sources say that the Trump administration is exploring different options, including first promoting a preliminary ceasefire and then attempting to facilitate a more long-term peace agreement. If Ukraine holds presidential elections as scheduled, the new leader may be responsible for negotiating with Russia post-election to achieve a more stable peace agreement.
Ukraine Yet to Respond, U.S. Has Not Made a Formal Request
Currently, Ukraine has not officially responded to the election proposal from the Trump administration. According to a senior Ukrainian advisor and a government source, the Trump administration has not formally requested Ukraine to hold presidential elections by the end of the year.
Ukrainian President Zelensky had previously stated that elections could only be held if the conflict ends and Ukraine obtains sufficient security guarantees to prevent further hostile actions from Russia. However, according to current Ukrainian law, parliamentary and presidential elections cannot be held while the country is in a state of war.
Zelensky’s presidential term was originally set to expire on May 20, 2024, but in November 2024, he signed a bill extending Ukraine's wartime status and national mobilization order by 90 days, until February 7, 2025. This means that even if Ukraine agrees to hold elections at the end of the year, adjustments to the current law will be required.
Additionally, according to a report by the Ukrainian "Telegraph" website on January 8, Zelensky has decided to run again for the presidency of Ukraine, complicating Ukraine's future political landscape.
Trump Administration Attempts to Reshape Russia-Ukraine Policy
This move by Trump’s team is seen as part of reshaping the U.S. Russia-Ukraine policy. Trump and his aides have previously stated multiple times that they wish to quickly promote a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire after the new government takes office and reduce U.S. financial and military support to Ukraine.
However, analysts point out that it remains unknown whether Ukraine will accept the U.S. suggestions and whether consensus on elections can be reached internally in Ukraine. There are differing opinions within Ukraine, with some suggesting that the current situation is not suitable for elections, while others believe that holding elections sooner could enhance the government’s legitimacy and lay the groundwork for future diplomatic negotiations.
Currently, the U.S. continues to push for Ukraine to hold elections soon, while the final decision from the Ukrainian government may depend on the progress of the war and further support from the international community.
