According to a British newspaper citing Ukrainian and Western officials, the US administration is pressuring Kiev to hold elections and a referendum by May 15 to secure proposed security guarantees. While reports suggested Zelenskyy might announce elections on February 24, marking four years since the war began, he denied this, stating during a press conference that elections could proceed if a ceasefire is reached and that the US is not threatening to withdraw security guarantees. Zelenskyy further stated last week that Washington aims to conclude all matters by June. The Ukrainian parliament has been tasked with preparing the necessary legal amendments to hold elections during the war.
According to the Financial Times, Zelenskyy seeks re-election and aims to reassure Trump that Ukraine is not delaying the peace process. Close associates of the Ukrainian president have indicated he informed the Trump administration of his readiness to adhere to a tight schedule, despite potential logistical difficulties in organizing elections during wartime. However, organizing elections remains contingent on Zelenskyy reaching a fair and acceptable peace agreement, according to officials. Trump has informed Kiev that US security guarantees are conditional on a comprehensive peace deal, which may involve Ukrainian concessions in Donbas—a prospect Zelenskyy has rejected.
Washington insists on ending the war by May 15, narrowing Kyiv’s options, particularly with upcoming mid-term elections in November. Officials have warned that the plan may be delayed due to the significant gap between Kyiv and Moscow regarding core issues, primarily territory. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin insists on achieving his objectives, including full control over Donbas. Experts argue that holding elections without a ceasefire would facilitate disruption by Moscow, which could deploy drone swarms to various polling centers across Ukraine. Conversely, some Ukrainian politicians believe holding elections before a permanent, security-backed peace deal could exacerbate internal divisions. However, associates of Zelenskyy view synchronizing elections with a referendum as the best opportunity for his re-election.
