Live updates: Trump faces backlash over Zelenskyy meeting and DOGE cuts
NBCMAR 11
Report: Trump Allies Hold Secret Talks with Zelenskyy's Opponents
Above: Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Fox News studios on Feb. 28, 2025, in Washington, DC. Image copyright: Win McNamee/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Despite Ukraine being under martial law, and the fact that it cannot safely hold elections while the conflict is ongoing, Trump is continuing to play into Russian hands by pushing the narrative that elections need to be held urgently.
Pro-Trump narrative
Discussions being held by the Trump's administration do not mean that Zelenskyy has to go, but it is imperative that Ukraine holds elections as soon as possible. Fresh elections are necessary to maintain a healthy democracy, and many countries have held them during wartime.