{
  "id": 13912629,
  "title": "Ukraine can only hold elections after Russia ends its war — Kaja Kallas",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/ukraine-can-only-hold-elections-after-russia-ends-its-war-kaja-kallas",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-12T08:46:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Voice of Ukraine",
    "slug": "new-voice-of-ukraine",
    "url": "https://english.nv.ua/nation/kaja-kallas-russia-must-end-war-before-ukraine-can-hold-elections-50649169.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stated on October 12 in Luxembourg that Ukraine can only hold elections once Russia concludes its war. Kallas made this remark in anticipation of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg, directly addressing U.S. President Donald Trump's call for Ukraine to conduct presidential elections. She referenced President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's readiness to organize elections immediately following a stable ceasefire. \"Almost every constitution has the provision that when you have a war going on, you can’t have elections,\" Kallas explained to reporters. She acknowledged that Zelenskyy has expressed willingness to hold elections as soon as possible if a ceasefire is reached. Kallas noted that while Ukraine continues to face external aggression, elections often create internal political divisions. She stressed that maintaining societal unity is crucial amidst war and external pressure. Kallas emphasized that efforts by international partners should focus on compelling Russia to end the war. She stated that if Russia's pressure is exerted to cease the conflict, Ukraine will undoubtedly hold elections. President Zelenskyy criticized a U.S. decision allowing Russian fuel supplies to American and global markets on October 9, deeming it weak. He noted that Trump had agreed with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin during recent talks in Miami. Zelenskyy reiterated his stance that any easing of sanctions against Russia is an \"obvious weakness\" benefiting Moscow. In response, Trump accused Zelenskyy of being able to end the war but not doing so. Zelenskyy announced on October 11 that Ukraine will hold elections if Putin agrees to a 60-day ceasefire.",
  "summary": "Ukraine can only hold elections once Russia ends its war, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas told reporters in Luxembourg on October 12, European Pravda reported.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ukraine can only hold elections after Russia ends war, per Kaja Kallas",
    "Kallas addressed EU Foreign Affairs Council, opposing Trump's call for early elections",
    "Zelenskyy ready to organize elections upon stable ceasefire, Kallas explained"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}