Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday expressed his willingness to conduct elections once the conflict with Russia ceases and secure conditions are established. In a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Oval Office, Zelensky emphasized that conditions of war render the democratic process impossible.
We have to work in parliament since at war times you cannot conduct elections,” Zelensky stated. “But if there is a ceasefire, then surely it should be possible to have a democratic, open, lawful election.
Ukrainian elections continue to be suspended under the martial law that has been in effect since Russia launched its invasion. Zelensky reiterated that restoring security across the battlefields, skies, and seas would be a prerequisite for conducting parliamentary elections.
Trilateral Meeting in Focus
The declaration came as both Trump and Zelensky resumed the White House after Trump’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Trump referred to his discussion with Putin as “very productive” and indicated that he was willing to have a trilateral meeting between the three leaders in Alaska.
ALSO READ: ‘Best Conversation Yet’: Trump Welcomes Zelensky to White House for Key Trilateral Dialogue
Zelensky, paraphrasing that transparency, averred Ukraine was “prepared for trilateral” talks for the purpose of brokering a conclusion to the war. Trump chimed in that there was a “great opportunity” to bring the conflict to a close through these means, emphasizing, “I know the president, I know myself, and I think Vladimir Putin wants to see it end.”
European Leaders Join Dialogue
In Washington, not just Trump and Zelensky but also a delegation of European leaders were present, such as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
Their attendance highlighted the wider global push to establish a security model which would lead to peace and ultimately reconstruction in Ukraine.
Private Discussion and Symbolic Acts
Following their public statements, Trump and Zelensky conducted a private meeting. Afterwards, both leaders were optimistic, with Trump referring to it as a “very successful day” and Zelensky as their “best conversation yet.”
In a symbolic gesture, Zelensky handed over a letter from Ukraine’s First Lady to America’s First Lady Melania Trump, after Trump had initially handed over a letter from Melania to Putin calling for peace.
Though there are still uncertainties about the possibility of U.S. troop deployment and future security commitments, Monday’s discussions emphasized an unusual convergence: both Trump and Zelensky being willing to make a push for diplomacy, elections, and a ultimate settlement if the violence of the war can be halted.
ALSO READ: Which European Leaders Are Heading to Trump–Zelensky Talks? Full Names Inside
