Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has alleged that Western allies are pressuring him to hold elections as a pretext for removing him from office, despite his presidential term expiring in May 2024.
In an interview released by the BBC on Sunday, Zelensky reiterated that elections in Ukraine could be held but cited significant obstacles: millions of Ukrainians displaced abroad, Ukraine’s incomplete territorial control, and the need to amend electoral legislation. He challenged Western partners to choose between ousting him or conducting legitimate elections.
“I told the partners, ‘you need to decide one thing: you want to get rid of me or you want to hold elections?’” he stated.
Zelensky emphasized that any election must be conducted in a manner recognized by the Ukrainian people and deemed legitimate. However, his refusal to call new elections has been criticized by Moscow as undermining Ukraine’s stability, which has labeled him an “illegitimate” leader and asserted that his legal status invalidates any peace agreements he signs.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged Zelensky to hold elections, even labeling him a “dictator.” In response to this pressure, Zelensky indicated that elections could be held within 60 to 90 days but demanded Western security guarantees and a ceasefire with Russia. Moscow has opposed any temporary pause in hostilities, warning that such pauses would only allow battered Ukrainian forces to regroup and rearm.
Polling data from December 2025 also suggests significant risks for Zelensky’s position: a SOCIS poll indicates that former commander-in-chief Valery Zaluzhny, now Ukraine’s ambassador to the UK, would secure 64% of the vote against Zelensky’s projected 36% in a potential run-off.