Zelensky on American calls for elections: “Let Ukrainians make their own choice”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on American officials demanding his replacement not to interfere in Ukraine’s internal decisions on elections.

The interview was published by the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera on Tuesday, October 20.

“To those Americans who are calling for a change of president, I say: let Ukrainians hold their own elections and make their own choice — in full accordance with the law,” Zelensky said.

According to Reuters, this is Zelensky’s sharpest response to date to U.S. President Donald Trump. On October 10, Trump called on Ukraine to hold elections and replace Zelensky with a leader capable of negotiating with Russia.

Zelensky questioned whether free voting could be held at all under wartime conditions. His words were also cited by the outlet Il Foglio:

“How can you organize open and democratic elections under drone and missile strikes, and with Western observers present? I don’t think that’s possible.”

The Ukrainian president also drew a parallel between Moscow’s and Washington’s positions on the issue. He said he understands why Russia raises the topic of elections: Moscow believes that a change of Ukraine’s president would make its task easier. “It seems strange to me that our American partners are doing the same thing,” he added.

Zelensky called elections “not the main issue” for Ukrainians, pointing out that ending the war must come first. He also outlined the conditions under which a vote would be possible: soldiers at the front, Ukrainians abroad, and residents of the country would all need to participate. Asked whether further delays would undermine Ukrainian democracy, Zelensky replied: “Nobody is clinging to their seat.”