Trump Backs Russia's Push for Ukraine Elections

In a surprising move, former U. S. President Donald Trump expressed support for Russia's demand that Ukraine hold new presidential elections. This announcement came as talks to end the three-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in Saudi Arabia, notably without Ukraine's involvement. Trump, speaking from his Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago, claimed that the call for elections wasn't just coming from Russia, but from himself and other unnamed countries. He cited a mysterious poll suggesting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's approval rating was a mere 4%. This figure sharply contrasts with the most recent poll from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, which showed Zelensky's approval rating at 52%. The negotiations in Saudi Arabia, which aimed to end the war, saw the U. S. and Russia agreeing on four broad principles. However, Zelensky criticized the Trump administration for excluding Ukraine from these talks, emphasizing the importance of Ukraine's involvement in any decisions regarding the war's end. Zelensky, through a Telegram statement, stressed that for a lasting peace, negotiations must be fair and include all relevant parties. He warned that any agreements made without Ukraine's participation would likely fail to be implemented. Trump, during his press conference, blamed Ukraine for the prolonged conflict and criticized Kyiv for not ending the war sooner. He suggested that if he had been president before the war started, he could have negotiated a deal that would have kept Ukraine's land intact and avoided the current devastation. Russia's history of election interference, particularly in Ukraine, raises concerns about the legitimacy of any new elections. Critics worry that Putin might use these elections to install a pro-Russia leader, further undermining Ukraine's sovereignty and democracy. Trump's stance marks a significant shift in U. S. policy. Under the previous administration of President Joe Biden, the U. S. had formed a coalition of democratic nations to support Ukraine, pledging to stand with Kyiv for as long as necessary. In contrast, Trump's administration has resumed communication with Russia and warned that restoring Ukraine to its pre-2014 borders is unrealistic. Critics have accused the Trump administration of capitulating to Russia, while the administration maintains that its goal is to end the war. The Ukrainian elections, originally scheduled for March, were postponed due to the country being under martial law following Russia's invasion in February 2022.