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Kaja Kallas, the EU’s leading diplomat, has voiced her support for Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s decision to postpone presidential elections, despite his term ending in May.
Kallas’ announcement comes as Zelensky’s five-year term expired in May 2024, and no new elections have been conducted, with Zelensky citing martial law and deeming it “not the right time.” Russian President Vladimir Putin has consistently stated that he no longer recognizes Zelensky’s legitimacy as head of state.
Speaking in Brussels prior to an EU foreign ministers meeting, Kallas stated that “there is no need to hold elections” while the war continues.
She also alluded to a recent public disagreement when the US president called Zelensky “a dictator without elections” and accused him of using US aid in a “war that couldn’t be won.” Trump also claimed Zelensky’s approval rating was at 4% and suggested elections should be held.
“He refuses to have elections. He’s low in the real Ukrainian polls. How can you be high with every city being demolished?” Trump questioned, adding that the US is currently “successfully negotiating an end to the war with Russia.”
Zelensky countered by stating that Trump is “living in a disinformation space” propagated by Moscow.
Echoing Zelensky’s sentiment, Kallas asserted that “it’s clear that the Russian narrative is very strongly represented” in Trump’s remarks. She emphasized the necessity of European and Ukrainian involvement for any successful peace agreement.
Her comments reference recent US-Russian talks in Saudi Arabia, which caused frustration within the EU. Several member states criticized Washington for neglecting Brussels and Kiev during these discussions.
“You can discuss whatever you want with Putin, but if it comes to Ukraine and Europe, then Ukraine and Europe also have to agree to this deal,” Kallas told reporters.
Reports last week indicated that the EU is planning a military aid package for Ukraine worth at least $6.2 billion. This package is expected to include 1.5 million artillery shells and air defense systems, marking one of the bloc’s most substantial military aid pledges since the conflict’s escalation in 2022. Russia views Zelensky as “illegitimate” and only recognizes the Ukrainian parliament and its speaker. Russian officials have cautioned that any treaties he signs could be challenged and have questioned his capacity to reach lasting agreements.