**Poroshenko and Tymoshenko Reiterate Opposition to Elections During War**
Ukrainian opposition leaders, Petro Poroshenko and Yuliia Tymoshenko, have reaffirmed their opposition to holding elections during the ongoing war with Russia. They made these statements in response to a recent article by Politico, which claimed that US President Donald Trump’s team was secretly meeting with them.
Poroshenko, a former president of Ukraine, said on March 6 that his team is working “publicly and transparently” with US partners to ensure bipartisan support for Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of security and peace through strength in dealing with Russia.
Tymoshenko, the head of the opposition Batkivshchyna party, also reacted to the article, stating that her party is negotiating with allies who can help secure a just and peaceful solution as soon as possible. She reiterated that elections are only possible after the war ends.
**US Pressure on Ukraine**
The article by Politico claimed that Trump’s team has been leading secret talks with Poroshenko and Tymoshenko, while also pressuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to make concessions. This pressure includes cutting off crucial military aid and intelligence sharing.
Critics pointed out the difficulties in organizing elections during an all-out war, such as voting for front-line soldiers and refugees. The Ukrainian Constitution does not permit elections under martial law.
**US Presidential Elections**
According to a recent survey by Survation, Zelensky leads in the polls with 44%, followed by former Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluhnyi at 21%. Poroshenko came third with 10%, while Tymoshenko scored only 6%.
**International Reaction**
The US Secretary of State’s remarks have been criticized for echoing Kremlin narratives. Russian President Vladimir Putin has falsely claimed that the West is fighting Russia “with the hands of Ukrainians”.
Romania expelled two Russian military attachés on March 5, citing breaches of diplomatic rules of conduct. The Ukrainian forces downed 68 drones and two ballistic missiles launched by Russia overnight.
The Lithuanian parliament voted to exit a treaty last July, leading to Vilnius submitting documents for withdrawal in the autumn of that year. The six-month deadline for leaving the convention expired on March 6.
**International Support**
Ukraine has received support from various countries, including the Netherlands, which will provide Ukraine with 3.5 billion euros ($3.8 billion) in combined government support in 2026. France’s Defense Minister emphasized the need for security guarantees from the US to join peace talks.
The EU is discussing a unified response to another large influx of refugees from Ukraine amid US policy shifts. The Netherlands will provide Ukraine with 3.5 billion euros ($3.8 billion) in combined government support in 2026, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof announced on March 5.
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