US President Donald Trump stated that Ukraine might need to hold early elections as President Volodymyr Zelensky is losing public support.
According to RT, Trump remarked on February 18 that Zelensky is currently “unpopular” and suggested that Ukraine may require new elections. Speaking to reporters, he claimed, “The leader in Ukraine, I hate to say this, but he has a 4% approval rating.”
Trump’s comments came just hours after Russian and US negotiators met in Riyadh to discuss potential resolutions for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This meeting marked the first direct discussions between the two nations since President Joe Biden suspended most diplomatic contacts with Moscow in 2022.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has asserted that Zelensky is no longer a legitimate leader, as his five-year term expired in May 2024 without elections being held due to martial law. Ukrainian officials, however, maintain that holding elections amid the ongoing conflict with Russia is not feasible.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr ZelenskyyZelensky initially enjoyed a 90% approval rating in the early months of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022. However, recent battlefield losses and economic difficulties have led to a decline in public support, now estimated at around 50%.
A poll conducted by Ukrainian political sociology firm Socis last month indicated that only 40% of Ukrainians currently trust Zelensky.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on February 18 that President Putin is willing to negotiate with Zelensky, provided that the question of his “still-controversial legitimacy” is resolved.
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Source: Vietnam Insider