Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the peace agreement consisting of twenty points, which is currently under development, may be submitted for ratification by the Verkhovna Rada or approved through a nationwide referendum. According to him, the final decision on this matter will depend on the format of the document’s approval, which will determine the government’s further actions.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Possibility of Simultaneous Referendum and Elections
Volodymyr Zelensky also did not rule out the possibility of holding a nationwide referendum and presidential elections simultaneously. He emphasized that the security guarantees outlined in the peace agreement will only take effect after the agreement is fully ratified by parliament or supported in a referendum.
“Ukraine will submit this agreement for ratification to parliament in the format and/or conduct a nationwide referendum for approval in a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ format,” Zelensky said during a meeting with journalists.
Discussions Surrounding Elections During War
Previously, U.S. President Donald Trump, in an interview with Politico, emphasized the appropriateness of holding presidential elections in Ukraine, noting that elections have not been held for a long time. He stated that the current Ukrainian authorities allegedly use martial law to delay the electoral process. In response, Volodymyr Zelensky assured that he is ready to hold elections and called on the United States to assist in ensuring security during their organization.
Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed the necessity of elections in Ukraine, sometimes using harsh remarks towards the Ukrainian president, although he later refrained from such statements.
For their part, representatives of the Russian Federation, including Vladimir Putin, spread incorrect claims about the alleged illegitimacy of the Ukrainian authorities due to the absence of presidential elections in 2024. They also criticize the appointment of regional officials by the president, calling this a basis for the illegitimacy of civil authorities in Ukraine.
During a press conference in Moscow on December 19, Vladimir Putin stated that Russia could “consider” security guarantees for holding elections in Ukraine, including refraining from attacks on the country’s territory on election day. At the same time, he noted that it is not necessary to declare a ceasefire to organize elections, as Russia has held elections even during military actions.
It should be noted that since the introduction of martial law in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the holding of elections has been officially prohibited in the territory of the state.