Zelenskyy faces election pressure from US and Russia as term ends

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's first term has ended, and both the U.S. and Russia are urging Ukraine to hold elections. Russia demands elections as a condition for a peace deal, while the U.S. suggests a three-step plan involving a ceasefire and elections. Zelenskyy's aides state that elections cannot occur until six months after martial law ends, which currently prohibits them. His popularity has dropped significantly since the war began, raising concerns about his chances in a potential election. Former President Petro Poroshenko claims elections could happen by October 2025, but Zelenskyy's party leader denies this. The political landscape remains uncertain, with potential challengers emerging, including General Valerii Zaluzhnyi.