WASHINGTON, February 20. /TASS/. US President Donald Trump has said that it is time Ukraine hold elections.

"And look, it's time for elections [in Ukraine]. Haven't had an election in a long time. It's wonderful to say, you know, we can't have an election, but it's time for elections," he said onboard his plane on his way back to Washington from Florida.

Earlier, Trump said that Zelensky’s approval rating had dropped to 4% and if Kiev wants a seat at the negotiating table, it must hold elections. In response, Zelensky said that Trump had been misled by Russia’s disinformation. After that, Trump once again pointed to Zelensky’s low ratings and called him a dictator for his refusal to hold elections.

The presidential election in Ukraine was to be held in March 2024 but was cancelled due to martial law. Many experts say however that the president’s term cannot be extended amid martial law, unlike the mandate of the Verkhovna Rada, or national parliament. Although Vladimir Zelensky’s office term officially expired on May 20, 2024, he says that the issue of his legitimacy is of little concern for him.