Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the country is ready to consider the possibility of holding elections only after establishing at least a two-month ceasefire on the front lines. He made this announcement during a discussion at the Munich Security Conference held on February 14.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Conditions for the Electoral Process
During a discussion with renowned journalist Christiane Amanpour, Zelensky emphasized that elections are only possible under conditions of security and infrastructure restoration. The President highlighted that organizing elections requires time for preparation, and it is also important to ensure the participation of servicemen who are defending the country. According to him, this is a complex process that requires a measured approach.
“I am very honest. Give us two months of ceasefire, and we will go to elections. That’s it… Give us a ceasefire, give us security, infrastructure, maybe not two months, but we need many days to prepare. Then give us the opportunity for our soldiers to vote, as they can, I mean, to defend our lives, our country, and at the same time to vote. It’s something complicated,” he said.
When asked about the possibility of announcing elections on February 24, the fourth anniversary of the full-scale war, and holding them in May, Zelensky did not respond directly. He noted that a ceasefire must first be achieved, adding that, according to him, U.S. President Donald Trump could influence this process by pressuring the President of Russia.
Legal and Organizational Barriers
Zelensky emphasized that the possibility of elections during the state of martial law is prohibited by the Constitution of Ukraine. Among the main obstacles are the lack of a ceasefire, unresolved voting methods for military personnel, internally displaced persons, and several million Ukrainian refugees abroad.
He also mentioned the potential for announcing a ceasefire for Russia if elections are held there. On February 11, the President denied any intentions to announce elections and a referendum on territorial integrity on February 24, as reported by the FT.
In April 2026, it will mark seven years of Zelensky’s presidency, although the constitutional term is five years. At the same time, discussions continue regarding the possibility of holding a referendum on a future peace agreement that may include territorial compromises.