As the war between Ukraine and Russia drags into its third year, a fresh political controversy has emerged around Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s mandate and whether Ukraine should hold elections during wartime. US President Donald Trump’s public criticism of Zelenskyy has added a new layer of complexity to an already fragile diplomatic landscape.

Trump’s Remarks

Donald Trump, speaking in an interview with Politico, accused Zelenskyy of “clinging on to power” and questioned Ukraine’s democratic credentials. “They haven’t had an election in a long time. You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where it’s not a democracy anymore,” Trump said.

In response, Zelenskyy said he was prepared to hold a national election within the next three months — but only if Uk

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