[Tee tiong huat]

"Most democratic nations have elections in their time of war. I think it is important they do so," Kellogg said. "Good for democracy. That's the beauty of a solid democracy, you have more than one person potentially running." Trump & Kellogg have both said they are working on plan to broker a deal in first several months of the new admin to end all-out war erupted with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. They have offered few details about their strategy ending the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two, nor when they might unveil such a plan.

Trump plan evolving, no policy decisions have been made, but Kellogg & other White House officials have discussed in recent days pushing Ukraine to agree to elections as part of an initial truce with Russia, knowledge of conversations and former U.S. official briefed about election proposal said. Trump officials debating whether to push for an ceasefire be4 trying to broker a more permanent deal, Trump admin discussions said. If presidential elections were to take place the winner could be responsible for negotiating a longer-term pact with Moscow, Kellogg said.

The sources declined to be named in order to discuss sensitive polic & security issues. Its unclear how such a Trump proposal would be greeted in Kyiv. President Zelenskiy has said Ukraine could hold elections this year if fighting ends & strong security guarantees are in place to deter Russia from renewing hostilities. A senior adviser to Kyiv & a Ukrainian govt source said the Trump admin has yet formally requested Ukraine hold presidential elections by end of the year.