Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy finds himself caught between battlefield losses and diplomatic pressure as he prepares for Thursday’s critical coalition meeting while responding to American demands for elections. President Trump intensified the squeeze on Tuesday by suggesting Ukraine should hold elections and questioning Zelenskyy’s democratic legitimacy, noting that his official term expired in May 2024. The Ukrainian leader responded by declaring his readiness to organize elections within 60 to 90 days, provided the United States and European partners help ensure security during the voting process.
Trump’s election comments represent a dramatic shift in the conversation around Ukraine’s leadership, as there has been broad consensus across Ukrainian politics that wartime elections under martial law would benefit Russia. Even Zelenskyy’s harshest critics have avoided calling for a vote during active combat operations. The American president told reporters that Ukraine talks about being a democracy but “it gets to a point where it’s not a democracy any more” without regular elections, adding fuel to an already tense diplomatic situation.
The election controversy comes as Zelenskyy navigates multiple crises simultaneously. He recently dismissed Andriy Yermak, his most trusted advisor and chief of staff since the full-scale invasion began, following corruption scandals that have damaged public confidence. This internal upheaval coincides with Trump’s peace initiative, which appears increasingly favorable to Russian interests and has received enthusiastic support from Moscow officials, including a five-hour Kremlin meeting with White House envoys last week.
Thursday’s coalition video conference will test whether European leaders can maintain unity in supporting Ukraine as American commitment wavers. Leaders from roughly 30 countries will discuss the evolving peace framework, with Zelenskyy presenting revised proposals to counter what many observers see as excessively pro-Russian terms. The Ukrainian president emphasized that the fundamental questions remain how to compel Moscow to end hostilities and what measures will deter a potential third invasion.
On the ground, Russia continued advancing toward complete control of strategic eastern cities. Russian General Valery Gerasimov reported that Moscow’s forces now hold 30% of Myrnohrad, with President Putin ordering completion of the town’s capture. Ukrainian sources confirmed intense street battles are continuing, describing conditions as catastrophic. The military situation adds urgency to diplomatic efforts but also weakens Kyiv’s negotiating position as Russian forces gain territory that Trump’s proposed peace plan might allow Moscow to retain permanently.