The Trump administration wants Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to move his country toward elections or consider stepping down as one of the requirements for the US to resume military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, NBC News reported on Sunday.
The report, which cited US officials, said the administration also wants to see a change in Zelensky’s attitude toward peace talks and the possibility of ceding territory to Russia and for Ukraine to sign the minerals deal that will give the US a piece of revenues made from Ukrainian rare earth minerals and other natural resources.
US and Ukrainian officials are meeting in Saudi Arabia this Tuesday and are expected to discuss such issues. So far, Zelensky’s public comments about being ready to work toward peace and sign the mineral deal haven’t been enough for the Trump administration to restart aid and intelligence sharing.
Ukrainian elections appear to be a major sticking point for the Trump administration since it may view Zelensky as an impediment to peace.
The Ukrainian leader has an interest in keeping the war going since his term in office expired in May 2024 and has been able to remain in power due to the lack of elections.
Ukrainian officials have justified the lack of elections by pointing to Ukraine’s constitution, which prohibits a vote during martial law. Martial law was first declared when Russia invaded and has been extended since.
Zelensky made it clear at one point that he could have held an election if he wanted to, suggesting at one point that it could happen if the US and other Western countries paid for it. But the Biden administration did not put any pressure on Zelensky to hold an election and helped justify the decision.
It remains unclear what sort of deal may be reached to end the war. Russia has launched heavy missile and drone attacks against Ukraine in recent days, leading President Trump to threaten additional sanctions on Russia.
