Zelenskyy Responds to Trump: 'I Am Always Ready for Elections'

WISE NEWS PRESS / ROME, ITALY — DEC. 10, 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected accusations by US President Donald Trump that he is using the ongoing war as a pretext to avoid holding elections, declaring, "I am always ready for elections".

Zelenskyy made the remarks during an interview with leading Italian newspapers La Repubblica and Il Messaggero shortly after arriving in Rome for high-level talks. The Ukrainian leader is in the Italian capital to meet with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as part of a broader diplomatic tour of European capitals.

Trump's Call for Elections

The exchange follows recent comments by US President Donald Trump, who suggested that the suspension of the democratic process in Ukraine has gone on too long. Trump argued that the Ukrainian government is "using the war not to have an election" and insisted that the "Ukrainian people should have this option".

"Yes, I think it is time. It has been too long. It is not going very well. I think it is an important moment to hold an election," Trump stated, adding that even if elections were held, Zelenskyy might still win, but warned that the country is reaching a point where "there is no longer democracy".

EU: 'Exceptional Circumstances'

While Zelenskyy expressed his personal readiness to face the electorate, European officials have emphasized the practical difficulties of holding a vote during a full-scale invasion.

Anitta Hipper, a spokesperson for the European Commission, highlighted that Ukraine is going through an "exceptional" period due to Russia's continuing war. Hipper reaffirmed that Zelenskyy remains the democratically elected leader of Ukraine and stated that "elections in Ukraine should be held when conditions are suitable".

During his visit, Zelenskyy also reiterated his trust in Italian Prime Minister Meloni regarding future peace negotiations.

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