United States Senator Richard Blumenthal, during his visit to Kyiv, stated that the decision to hold elections in Ukraine should remain exclusively with the Ukrainian people. He made this remark while responding to a journalist’s question about the electoral process in the country.
This is reported by Kyiv24
US Position and the Role of Ukrainian Society
Richard Blumenthal emphasized that the United States should not interfere in determining the timing of voting in Ukraine. According to him, only the citizens of Ukraine have the authority to decide when elections should take place.
“I have immense respect for the right of the Ukrainian people to decide for themselves when to hold elections. President Zelensky noted that at least a two-month ceasefire is necessary for this. Even if it takes six months of silence – that should be his decision and the decision of the Ukrainian people: to determine when and whether to hold elections”
Blumenthal also added that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky should independently, together with Ukrainian society, determine the optimal conditions for the electoral process, taking into account the security situation in the country.
Discussions with Ukrainian Authorities and Current Challenges
During a meeting with Richard Blumenthal and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, President Zelensky thanked the US for its ongoing bipartisan support for Ukraine and stressed the importance of cooperation to achieve peace.
Previously, President Zelensky mentioned that Ukraine would be ready to organize elections only after at least two months of truce. Kyiv has repeatedly emphasized that the main condition for holding elections is ensuring security, as Ukrainian cities are constantly subjected to missile attacks from the Russian Federation.
At various times in the US, including former President Donald Trump, questions have been raised about organizing elections in Ukraine. However, the official position is one of complete respect for the sovereignty of the Ukrainian people on this matter.
It is worth noting that in April 2026, it will be seven years since Volodymyr Zelensky was elected president, although the maximum term in office is five years. However, as long as martial law, declared on February 24, 2022, is in effect in Ukraine, holding elections is prohibited under Ukrainian legislation.