Zelensky: Ukraine Ready for Elections After Two-Month Ceasefire Backed by US

February 18 ------ Ukraine is prepared to hold democratic elections if the United States helps secure a two-month ceasefire to allow for security guarantees and election preparations, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Zelensky said elections during an active war would be impossible without a full pause in fighting and basic safety conditions. “Give us two months of a ceasefire – and we will go to elections,” he said. “That’s it. Ceasefire, security, infrastructure. We need time to prepare.”

‘We Are Under Ballistic Attacks’

Zelensky rejected comparisons to historical wartime elections, including US elections during the Civil War, stressing that Ukraine faces constant missile and ballistic strikes. “Our people are under missiles,” he said. “This is not just a ground war. We are under ballistic attacks.” He also emphasized that any vote must include Ukrainian troops fighting on the front line – a logistical and legal challenge under current conditions. “Our soldiers are defending the country and must also be able to vote. That is extremely complicated,” he said.

Appeal to Trump

Zelensky directly appealed to US President Donald Trump, saying Washington has the leverage to force Moscow into a temporary halt in fighting. “President Trump can do this,” Zelensky said. “Put pressure on Vladimir Putin, get a ceasefire – and then our parliament will change the law and we will hold elections, if needed.” He added pointedly that Ukraine is open to elections if they are genuinely required by partners – or demanded by Russia. “If Americans need elections in Ukraine, if Russians need elections in Ukraine – we are open,” he said.

Zelensky ended on a note of irony, suggesting Ukraine could offer Russia a similar “ceasefire” – on the condition that Moscow holds free and fair elections of its own.

Election Debate Intensifies

The issue of wartime elections has gained traction in recent weeks after The Economist and Financial Times reported that Ukraine was allegedly considering a presidential vote in 2026. Ukraine’s Presidential Office has pushed back, insisting that a just peace remains the top priority. Zelensky has also dismissed as “a stupid idea” any suggestion of announcing elections on Feb. 24 – the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Source: kyivpost.com