Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has denied information regarding a possible announcement of elections and a referendum on territorial integrity on the fourth anniversary of the start of Russia’s full-scale aggression, which falls on February 24.
This is reported by Kyiv24
“This is the first time I’m hearing about it. The first time I heard it, I believe, was from the Financial Times, and the second time I’m hearing it from you. I have said many times regarding elections – we will move to elections when there are all the necessary security guarantees… Certainly, we are ready for elections, I said, (that it’s) very simple to do: establish a ceasefire – there will be elections, meaning this is a matter of security,” said the head of state, responding to a question from Radio Free Europe and the channel “Current Time.”
According to Volodymyr Zelensky, he first heard such statements from the Financial Times and the second time from journalists who asked the relevant question. The President emphasized that the issue of holding elections directly depends on the availability of security guarantees for Ukrainian citizens, and the main condition for organizing the electoral process is the establishment of a ceasefire.
Reaction to Foreign Statements and Plans
Volodymyr Zelensky also noted that among the international partners raising the issue of elections in Ukraine are the United States. At the same time, he emphasized that there is no connection between providing security guarantees to Ukraine and holding elections. The President clarified that the U.S. is not threatening to withdraw support in the event that the elections do not take place.
Financial Times and Election Rumors
Recall that earlier, on February 11, the Financial Times, citing its own sources, reported that Volodymyr Zelensky might announce elections in May and a referendum on a peace agreement, which would potentially address the issue of territorial integrity, on the anniversary of the full-scale invasion. The article also claimed that the U.S. administration allegedly links further security guarantees with the organization of elections in Ukraine.
However, Volodymyr Zelensky clearly refuted these assumptions, stating that the issue of elections will only be considered under conditions where proper security measures are ensured for all citizens.