The security situation remains the main factor for organizing elections in Ukraine. This position was emphasized by the administration of President Volodymyr Zelensky, commenting on rumors about the possibility of announcing elections as early as February 24.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Response from the President’s Office to International Pressure
In response to information published by the Financial Times regarding the U.S. demand to hold elections by May 15, representatives of the President’s Office stated that elections can only be conducted if proper security for citizens is ensured. According to the publication, the American side insists on holding the vote in the spring; otherwise, Ukraine may lose the security guarantees offered to it.
“If Russians are killing every day, how can we announce or seriously consider elections in the coming weeks? No one is against elections, but there must be security,” said a source to journalists.
Discussion of Possible Dates and Formats for Elections
A source close to the president noted that as long as security is not guaranteed, there should be no expectation of official announcements regarding elections. On February 11, the Financial Times, citing Ukrainian and European officials, reported that Volodymyr Zelensky is considering the possibility of announcing presidential elections and a referendum on a peace agreement as early as February 24.
The option of holding elections in May, simultaneously with a referendum on territorial issues, is also being discussed as one of the compromises proposed by the United States.
President Zelensky has previously emphasized that the U.S. is interested in the quickest possible end to the war between Russia and Ukraine, preferably by summer. At the same time, the head of state stresses that the Russian army shows no intention of stopping its aggression. According to Reuters, on February 4-5 in Abu Dhabi, U.S. and Ukrainian delegations discussed a potential peace agreement that, according to Washington’s ambitious scenario, could be concluded as early as March; however, experts consider this date unrealistic.