US administration discusses elections with Ukrainian opposition
After US President Donald Trump's criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, representatives of the US government have consulted with leading Ukrainian opposition politicians.
Former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko wrote on Facebook that he was working "publicly and transparently" with his US partners with the aim of maintaining support for Ukraine. At the same time, he accused Zelensky's team of not communicating sufficiently with Washington. He said that this "poses a risk to the state."
Among the topics discussed with the US representatives were arms, sanctions on Russia and financial support for Ukraine, he said.
With regard to Trump's accusation that Zelensky is not prepared to face a new election, Poroshenko said: "Our team has always been and is categorically against elections during the war."
He said that a ballot is only possible after a peace treaty and the lifting of martial law. Poroshenko's party, European Solidarity, is currently the strongest opposition force in parliament.
Indirectly, former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko of the All-Ukrainian Union, or Fatherland, party also confirmed that she had been contacted by the White House. "The Fatherland team is in talks with all our allies who are able to ensure a just peace as quickly as possible," Tymoshenko wrote on Facebook.
However, there could be no talk of elections before a peace agreement, she asserted. "And I have said that several times."
US online political newspaper Politico had previously reported on "secret talks" between representatives from Trump's entourage and Ukrainian opposition figures. The main topic of the talks was reportedly the rapid holding of elections in Ukraine.
When Russia invaded Ukraine just over three years ago, martial law was imposed on the country. This law prohibits the holding of elections. Zelensky's term in office was set to end in May 2024.
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