Volodymyr Zelenskyy is linking the possibility of Ukrainian elections to a ceasefire with Russia, a position that underscores growing tension with Washington over the timing of a potential peace settlement and continued U.S. Security guarantees. The Ukrainian president stated at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday that elections could be held within two months of a ceasefire, contingent on security infrastructure being in place.
Zelenskyy’s comments came as the White House continues to press Kyiv to accelerate negotiations with Moscow, with some officials reportedly seeking a deal by spring. The administration of former President Trump has been particularly vocal in urging Ukraine to hold elections, and current U.S. Security guarantees are being framed as contingent on reaching a broader peace agreement, potentially involving concessions on territory in the Donbas region.
“Give us two months of ceasefire. We will go to elections… That’s it. Give us ceasefire. Give us security infrastructure,” Zelenskyy said, outlining his conditions for moving forward with a vote. He also suggested a willingness to explore compromises, including the potential creation of “free economic zones” in contested territories, as a means of securing aid for reconstruction.
The timing of elections has become a sensitive issue, with Zelenskyy’s five-year term originally due to end in May 2024. Elections have been suspended since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 under martial law. Moscow has consistently used the lack of elections as a pretext to delegitimize the current Ukrainian government, and has demanded new elections as a condition for any ceasefire.
The U.S. Pressure on Ukraine to hold elections appears to be intensifying. According to reports, the Trump administration is pushing for both presidential elections and a referendum on any peace deal with Russia to be held by mid-May. However, Zelenskyy has pushed back against the idea of tying elections to a specific date, particularly one with such symbolic weight as February 24th – the anniversary of the Russian invasion.
“I want to say that this is a special date — February 24,” Zelenskyy told reporters on Wednesday. “Even if there were an intention or relevant steps toward bringing certain elections closer, I believe it would be an absolutely foolish idea to use such a date to talk about politics.” He emphasized the solemnity of the date, marking four years of war and the sacrifices made by Ukrainian defenders.
Zelenskyy also addressed concerns that he is using the war to avoid facing voters, dismissing such claims as “a completely unreasonable narrative.” He reiterated that the decision to hold elections rests with the Ukrainian people, not external actors.
The Ukrainian president emphasized the need for robust security guarantees from the U.S. And European allies before any peace settlement is reached. He stated that agreements on security assurances should precede any agreement to end the war, framing this as a prerequisite for stability and long-term security.
The proposal to establish free economic zones in Ukrainian territory, potentially in areas currently contested or occupied, represents a potential compromise aimed at attracting investment and facilitating reconstruction. Zelenskyy acknowledged the presence of 200,000 people in these areas and stated that Ukraine cannot simply abandon them, but expressed a willingness to discuss the concept as part of broader negotiations.
Zelenskyy concluded his remarks with a direct appeal to Russia, stating that Ukraine is “ready to give Russia a ceasefire if they hold free elections too.” This statement, delivered to rousing applause, underscores Ukraine’s commitment to democratic principles and its willingness to engage in dialogue, but only under conditions that ensure its sovereignty, and security.
The situation remains fluid, with significant obstacles to a peaceful resolution. The sequencing of events – ceasefire, security guarantees, elections, and territorial concessions – remains a key point of contention between Kyiv and Washington, and the ultimate outcome will likely depend on the evolving dynamics on the battlefield and the willingness of all parties to compromise.
