Bangladesh, Feb. 19 -- In a major shift in rhetoric on the Ukraine conflict, US President Donald Trump has stated that Ukraine may have to hold new elections, arguing that its leader, Vladimir Zelensky, has become widely unpopular. Trumps remarks came shortly after US and Russian negotiators met in Riyadh to discuss possible ways to end the war-marking the first such meeting since former President Joe Biden severed most official contact with Moscow in 2022.

Speaking to reporters on February 18, Trump suggested that Zelenskys leadership is facing severe domestic challenges, pointing to a supposed collapse in public support. “The leader in Ukraine – I hate to say it – but hes down at a 4% approval rating,” Trump cla...