U.S. Envoy Claims Ukraine Will Proceed with Presidential Elections

Steve Witkoff, U.S. envoy, claims Ukraine will hold elections; however, legitimacy issues regarding Zelensky persist amid ongoing conflict and martial law. The Kremlin contests Zelensky’s status, complicating Ukraine’s political situation.

On March 21, Steve Witkoff, the U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, announced in an interview with Tucker Carlson that Ukraine’s leadership has consented to conducting presidential elections. Witkoff’s statements come amidst a backdrop where the Kremlin contests the legitimacy of President Volodymyr Zelensky, asserting that he “cannot sign any kind of treaty” due to his purported lack of election.

When prompted by Carlson regarding the likelihood of elections in Ukraine, Witkoff affirmed, stating, “Yes. There will be. They’ve agreed to it. There will be elections in Ukraine,” although he did not elaborate further. Notably, the Kyiv Independent was unable to verify these claims at the time of the report.

The Russian government has persistently sought to undermine Zelensky’s authority by portraying him as an illegitimate leader. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated that discussions with Zelensky are contingent upon addressing “legal aspects related to his legitimacy,” despite President Vladimir Putin’s lengthy rule over Russia, exceeding two decades.

Elections in Ukraine remain suspended due to martial law, which has been in effect since February 24, 2022, coinciding with the commencement of the Russian invasion. According to Ukrainian law, conditions for holding elections must be safe, equal, and uninterrupted, which is unattainable while the conflict with Russia persists.

Additionally, Witkoff expressed confidence that Russia would not launch an offensive against Europe, dismissing fears of a potential Russian expansion across the continent as baseless.

In summary, Steve Witkoff’s assertions regarding the anticipated presidential elections in Ukraine seem to contradict the realities imposed by the ongoing conflict and martial law. The Kremlin’s efforts to challenge Zelensky’s legitimacy continue, further complicating the political landscape. Amidst these challenges, concerns about Russian aggression towards Europe remain unaddressed, reflecting broader volatility in the region.

Original Source: kyivindependent.com