Russia and the United States are both urging Ukraine to hold elections, creating tension in Kyiv as the country continues to fight against Russia’s full-scale invasion.

This unexpected agreement between Moscow and Washington has raised fears in Ukraine that Russian President Vladimir Putin might be trying to use the situation to his advantage.

Over the weekend, Keith Kellogg, a special envoy for Ukraine and Russia under US President Donald Trump, stated that most democracies hold elections even during wartime.

He said elections are important for democracy and that having multiple candidates is a sign of a strong political system.

On Monday, the Kremlin supported Kellogg’s remarks. Russian President Vladimir Putin has often said he does not see Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a legitimate leader.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Zelenskyy’s term had ended and that Ukraine’s leadership needed to be “legitimized” for any peace talks to move forward.

Kyiv is worried that holding elections now could create division in the country and make it easier for Russia to spread its influence.

A former Ukrainian minister, speaking anonymously, said it was alarming that Washington and Moscow seem to agree on this issue. He believes it could be the first sign that Trump and Putin both want Zelenskyy to step down.

It is unclear whether Russia will make peace talks dependent on Ukraine holding elections. Likewise, Kellogg did not say whether elections should happen before or after the fighting stops.

For now, Ukraine remains cautious, fearing that agreeing to elections under these circumstances could put the country in a weaker position.