Trump Demands Elections in Ukraine for Peace Negotiations

Former President Donald Trump has called for Ukraine to hold elections as a part of peace negotiations with Russia, highlighting concerns over the legitimacy of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose approval rating he claims has plummeted to 4%. Trump emphasized that the absence of elections amid ongoing martial law in Ukraine undermines the country's political situation and suggested that any agreement must involve the voice of the Ukrainian people. His comments coincided with a backdrop of rising political persecution in Ukraine, as reported by European officials. Meanwhile, Finnish President Alexander Stubb underscored the need for a united European front to ensure Ukraine does not lose the war, stressing the importance of U.S. support in this endeavor. Stubb noted that negotiations are ongoing among European leaders, including discussions with Trump. As Ukraine's election timeline remains uncertain due to the war, potential candidates to succeed Zelenskyy, like Valerii Zaluzhnyi, are being speculated upon amid growing public discontent.