The issue:

The U.S. wants Ukraine to hold presidential and parliamentary elections — possibly by the end of the year — after a potential ceasefire with Russia, according to Keith Kellogg, President Donald Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine.

Kellogg noted that holding elections during a war is a practice in democratic nations and is necessary for “Ukraine’s democratic integrity.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned earlier against the dangers of U.S.-Russia negotiations bypassing Ukraine and said Ukrainian involvement was crucial. Trump and Kellogg are working on a peace plan to end the war, which began in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, but they have offered few specifics. Elections in Ukraine are still in question due to ongoing martial law; Zelenskyy has hinted that he would not consider them unless conditions are secure enough to support the elections.

Insights:

Zelenskyy warns against U.S.-Russia negotiations without Ukraine, us he fears he is now unessential.

The martial law currently in place in Ukraine makes logistics for holding elections more difficult than normal.

Questions raised:

• What does the U.S. think about elections in Ukraine?

The U.S. supports Ukraine’s holding elections, depending on a possible truce with Russia, important for democracy, but that this was not high on the U.S. priority list.

• Why does Zelenskyy worry about U.S.-Russia talks?

Zelenskyy says talks on Ukraine where Ukraine is not present could be risky, as this could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and stability.