Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the country would be prepared to hold elections following a two-month ceasefire on the front lines. This announcement came during a discussion after his address at the Munich Security Conference on February 14.
Zelensky responded to a question posed by moderator Christiane Amanpour regarding the potential for elections, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire to ensure security and infrastructure. He remarked, “I am very honest. Give us two months of ceasefire, and we will go to elections. That’s it… We need many days to prepare. Then give us the opportunity for our soldiers to vote, as they can, while protecting our lives and our country. This is something complicated.”
Amanpour also inquired about a recent report from the Financial Times suggesting that Zelensky might announce elections on February 24, coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the full-scale war, with the aim of conducting them in May. Zelensky did not directly confirm this timeline.
He stated, “So give us a ceasefire. President Trump can do this. Press Putin, achieve a ceasefire, then our parliament will change the law, and we will go to elections if they are needed. If Americans need elections in Ukraine and if Russians need elections in Ukraine, we are open to this.”
Additionally, Zelensky mentioned that Ukraine could declare a ceasefire for Russia if they were to hold elections in their own country.
On February 11, Zelensky denied intentions to announce elections or referendums regarding territorial integrity on February 24, as reported by the Financial Times. His presidency will reach seven years in April 2026, nearing the maximum five-year term allowed under Ukrainian law.
However, conducting elections during a state of war is prohibited by the Ukrainian Constitution. Officials have also pointed out various challenges to holding elections, including the lack of a ceasefire, unresolved issues regarding voting for military personnel, internally displaced persons, and the millions of Ukrainian refugees abroad.
Discussions are ongoing in Ukraine regarding the possibility of a referendum on a potential peace agreement that may involve territorial compromises.
President Zelensky has indicated that Ukraine's readiness for elections hinges on achieving a ceasefire, highlighting the complexities involved in conducting elections during wartime. The potential for a referendum on peace agreements is also under consideration amid ongoing conflict.