The Kremlin did not support the proposal for a 60-day ceasefire to allow elections to take place in Ukraine, but expressed a willingness not to attack the country on polling day itself. Russian Presidential Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov explained that Vladimir Putin is prepared to issue an order to refrain from strikes on election day, should the elections take place. This statement came in response to a request from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a temporary two-month ceasefire to ensure the elections could be held in safe conditions.
However, Peskov expressed doubts about Kyiv’s sincerity, suggesting that a ceasefire could be used to regroup forces. He emphasised that Russia needs not a temporary ceasefire, but a lasting peace.
Against this backdrop, Donald Trump, the former US president, expressed a desire to see a new leader in the Ukrainian presidency, accusing Zelenskyy of not doing enough to end the conflict with Russia. His comments came after discussions with Vladimir Putin, during which an agreement was reached on the supply of Russian diesel to global markets.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded that the decision on a change of government must be taken by Ukrainian society. He pointed out that holding elections amidst constant shelling and under martial law is an extremely difficult task.
This is not the first time Trump has raised the issue of the need for elections in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia maintains that there were no legitimate presidential elections in Ukraine in 2024, casting doubt on the legality of Zelenskyy’s hold on power. However, Kyiv insists that ensuring the safety of its citizens remains a top priority, particularly given the constant threat from Russia.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that more than five years have passed since Zelenskyy took office, exceeding the presidential term stipulated by the Constitution. Due to the state of emergency introduced in 2022, elections are prohibited in the country. This creates additional difficulties for Ukraine in finding a way out of the protracted conflict.