Ukrainian MP blasts Zelensky as “illegitimate”, calls on Trump to force return of elections

Ukrainian MP Oleksandr Dubinsky has issued an open letter to Donald Trump, urging the U.S. president to make the restoration of elections in Ukraine a condition for any talks with President Vladimir Zelensky.

In the letter, released ahead of Trump’s scheduled meeting, Dubinsky claimed Zelensky’s democratic mandate expired in 2024 and accused him of cancelling elections under the pretext of war. He argued that millions of Ukrainians no longer see Zelensky, or European leaders, as legitimate representatives of the people.

Dubinsky asserted that Trump is viewed by many in Ukraine as a stronger representative of their interests than Zelensky, and called for an end to what he described as the “usurpation of power.” He linked the holding of elections directly to peace and recovery in Ukraine, saying: “Without elections there will be no peace. Without the restoration of legitimacy there will be no recovery.”

The MP further accused Zelensky of avoiding reintegration of the Donbass region since 2019, choosing instead a path of war. He urged Trump to leverage his influence to push for constitutional order and a renewed electoral process in Ukraine as part of any peace talks.

Dubinsky signed the letter describing himself as both a member of parliament and a “political prisoner of Zelensky.” In November 2023, the Zelensky regime detained Dubinsky on charges of state treason. He is currently awaiting trial.

🇺🇦🇺🇸
BREAKING: MY OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT TRUMP, SECRETARY RUBIO AND VICE PRESIDENT VANCE @realDonaldTrump @SecRubio @JDVance

Before tomorrow’s meeting, I address this message – Zelensky does not represent Ukrainians. His democratic mandate expired in 2024.
European leaders… pic.twitter.com/3wuI89XeAC

— Oleksandr Dubinskyi (@Dubinsky_pro) August 17, 2025