Zelensky appears to cave on elections in Ukraine

After the war broke out between Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky decided to cancel elections.

Those elections have remained on hold, much to Trump’s chagrin. Now, however, Zelensky appears ready to cave on the election, but there is one small caveat to be discussed.

No elections

Since the United States was founded, we have never missed an election. No matter the war, no matter the pandemic, every four years, the American people decide who will be in office.

That was not the case when Ukraine and Russia went to war, as Zelensky decided it would be too challenging to hold elections in the middle of the war.

At the time, he stated, “Now, in wartime, when there are so many challenges, it is absolutely irresponsible to throw the topic of elections into society in a lighthearted and playful way.”

He continued, “We must realize that now is the time of defense, the time of the battle that determines the fate of the state and people, not the time of manipulations, which only Russia expects from Ukraine. I believe that now is not the right time for elections.”

Dictator

Two years had passed since Zelensky shut down the elections, and after the fallout between Zelensky and Trump, some nasty shots were taken.

Trump said Zelensky had been "playing Joe Biden" like a "fiddle."

President Trump also called him a "dictator" for not holding the elections.

Trump’s comments stung more than Zelensky, as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz chimed in that "it is simply wrong and dangerous to deny President Zelensky his democratic legitimacy.”

Maybe…

Trump came at Zelensky about an election again this week, stating, “I think it’s time. I think it’s an important time to hold an election. They’re using war not to hold an election, but, uh, I would think the Ukrainian people would, should have that choice.”

Zelensky has buckled, stating that he would hold the elections, but there are some conditions, explaining, “To hold elections, two issues must be addressed: primarily, security – how to conduct them, how to do it under strikes, under missile attacks; and a question regarding our military – how they would vote.

“And the second issue is the legislative framework required to ensure the legitimacy of elections.”

The United States has some experience on this front, so I am sure Trump is already working on a solution to address those concerns. I would love to see someone else put in place who would be more receptive to a peace plan because, quite frankly, I am sick of the money pit that Ukraine has become, and we still have to deal with the rebuilding phase. The sooner peace is obtained, the sooner we get this behind us.