{
  "id": 14719796,
  "title": "Zelenskyy: Calls For Ukrainian Elections Do Not Help Trump, While Divisions Benefit Putin",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/zelenskyy-calls-for-ukrainian-elections-do-not-help-trump-while",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T14:32:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "UATV English",
    "slug": "uatv-english",
    "url": "https://uatv.ua/en/zelenskyy-calls-for-ukrainian-elections-do-not-help-trump-while-divisions-benefit-putin/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed calls for elections in Ukraine, stating that such rhetoric from the United States does not benefit either Kyiv or former U.S. President Donald Trump. In an interview with the Financial Times, Zelenskyy said that the American public would likely not favor the rhetoric, and it would not help Trump in his position. The Ukrainian leader rejected accusations of clinging to power, emphasizing his intention to step down from the presidency, stating \"I'm not holding on to this seat. Being president for 40 years? Oh no, never.\"\n\nZelenskyy warned that divisions between Europe, the U.S., and Ukraine serve the interests of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He argued that his stance aids Putin in bolstering domestic support and presenting the war as a success. However, Zelenskyy maintained that Russia was not triumphing in the technological aspect of the war and expressed concern over the U.S.'s decision-making regarding intelligence-sharing and Starlink satellite communications. He cautioned that these U.S. actions have created extra dangers for Ukraine.\n\nIn response to these challenges, Zelenskyy reiterated his commitment to stopping Putin rather than providing Russia with additional motivation to continue the fighting. He acknowledged that Ukraine would devise ways to address these issues but emphasized that the priority should remain on defeating Putin. The debate over elections gained traction after Trump urged Zelenskyy to hold a vote and suggested a need for a new leader to negotiate with Russia. Elon Musk also backed calls for Zelenskyy to leave office. Despite the calls for elections, Zelenskyy has not ruled them out but highlighted that a 60-day ceasefire would be necessary for their safety.",
  "summary": "Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was unfazed by calls from the United States to hold elections in Ukraine, describing the statements as rhetoric that does not benefit either Kyiv or U.S. President Donald Trump. He made the remarks in an interview with the Financial Times , UATV English reports. “For me, this is rhetoric. Personally, I think it is a mistake to talk about this now,…",
  "key_points": [
    "Zelenskyy rejects calls for Ukrainian elections, stating they benefit Trump and Putin",
    "Ukrainian leader denies clinging to power, plans to step down from presidency",
    "Divisions between Europe, U.S., Ukraine aid Putin, not Ukraine's technological success"
  ],
  "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."
}