"He's never been elected. He doesn't represent Ukraine," Musk said, addressing the situation around Zelensky after his term ended in May 2024.
Musk added that he had spoken with Ukrainians living in the country, who are themselves confused about the ongoing developments.
US media previously reported that Zelensky faces mounting pressure to hold presidential elections in Ukraine, a move advocated both domestically and internationally.
Zelensky’s term expired on May 20, 2024. The presidential election in Ukraine was subsequently canceled, citing martial law and a general mobilization. Zelensky said that elections were "untimely" at this time. In December 2025, US President Donald Trump said that elections were essential in Ukraine, calling Zelensky a "dictator without elections" and noting that his approval rating had dropped to 4%. In mid-February 2026, Zelensky suggested holding presidential elections simultaneously with a referendum, but no further statements on the matter followed.