Trump Warns Ukraine Is ‘Losing’ Russia War, Calls for Elections Despite Wartime Ban

President Donald Trump is raising pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to hold national elections and consider a new U.S.-backed peace plan, warning that Kyiv is “losing” the war against Russia and drifting from democratic norms.

In an interview with Politico published Monday, Trump said it’s time for Ukrainians to have the right to vote — despite Ukraine’s constitutional prohibition on elections during martial law, which was enacted after Russia’s 2022 invasion.

“They’re using war not to hold an election,” Trump said. “But I would think the Ukrainian people should have that choice.”

Trump: “It’s Not a Democracy Anymore”

Zelensky’s five-year presidential term officially ended in May 2024, and Ukraine’s parliament expired in August. But under wartime law, elections are suspended until martial law is lifted — a provision Zelensky has defended as necessary due to constant Russian shelling, occupied territory, and the mass displacement of civilians.

Trump questioned that justification and cast doubt on Ukraine’s democratic status.

“Maybe Zelensky would win,” Trump said. “I don’t know who would win. But they haven’t had an election in a long time. You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where it’s not a democracy anymore.”

Trump Pushes Peace Deal, Warns “Size Will Win”

The president’s remarks follow mounting speculation about his long-term stance on Ukraine, particularly after Donald Trump Jr. hinted over the weekend that his father may consider walking away from the conflict altogether.

Trump pushed back on that, saying, “It’s not correct. But it’s not exactly wrong.”

He acknowledged Ukraine’s courage but emphasized the military imbalance with Russia.

“I give the people of Ukraine and the military of Ukraine tremendous credit… but you know, at some point, size will win, generally,” he said. “Russia has the upper hand. They always did. They’re much bigger. They’re much stronger.”

“He’s Losing”: Trump Urges Zelensky to Act

Trump said his administration has drafted a new peace framework with input from both U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators — but suggested Zelensky has yet to seriously engage with it.

“It would be nice if he would read it,” Trump said. “His people loved the proposal… they said he hasn’t read it yet. I think he should find time to read it.”

“He’s gonna have to get on the ball and start accepting things,” Trump added. “You know, when you’re losing — because he’s losing.”

Broader Implications

Trump’s remarks reflect growing frustration within the White House over what officials see as Ukrainian reluctance to negotiate, despite what they describe as a deteriorating battlefield position. U.S. intelligence estimates leaked in recent weeks suggest Russian forces have regained initiative in eastern Ukraine.

Zelensky has consistently rejected any settlement that would recognize Russian control over occupied Ukrainian territory. But with U.S. aid now contingent on stricter oversight and growing public skepticism over long-term support, the Trump administration appears poised to take a tougher line.

By calling for elections, Trump is also raising the political stakes for Zelensky — casting the absence of a vote as a broader threat to Ukraine’s democratic legitimacy, even as the war rages on.