"It's in their constitution": Kellogg admits Ukraine can't hold elections for the time being

In general, any country can hold elections in times of war, and such an official expression of the people's will is a "sign of a healthy democracy." However, it is impossible to hold elections in Ukraine right now because it contradicts the country's Constitution.

This was stated by Keith Kellogg, the US President's Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, on the US broadcaster Newsmax. He also noted that Ukraine should be ready to hold elections even during the war.

"I think right now they [Ukrainians – ed.] can't hold elections because it's in their constitution. They – the Ukrainians – can't have them until the cessation of hostilities," he said. Mr. Kellogg added that the failure to hold elections last spring does not mean that "Zelensky should leave" his post.

Interestingly, the former US military officer saw no other obstacles than the Constitution. He also stated that the elections are held by "every democratic state," and that the US held elections even "in the middle of wars."

Indeed, the United States held elections during the Civil War of 1861-65, during both World Wars, and during its military campaigns in other countries. However, the Americans have never held elections under occupation of part of their territory.

"A sign of a healthy democracy is the willingness and the ability to have the elections even in a time of war," Mr. Kellogg said.

He added that the US president "knows about the destruction, the deaths, and wants to end this war" in Ukraine.

"I think he is absolutely right. And honestly, the only guy that can do this in the world and bring this to a conclusion is Donald J. Trump," he said.

Keith Kellogg has previously said that the United States wants Ukraine to hold elections by the end of the year, both presidential and parliamentary. However, this requires a truce with Russia to be reached within the next few months.

As reported, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that his legitimacy was confirmed by the election results, in which 73% of citizens voted for him. However, despite the desire to hold elections, it is currently impossible to do so due to the war, as well as technical and legal difficulties.

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