Zelenskyy Plans Presidential Election and Peace Deal Referendum

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly intends to announce a presidential election along with a referendum on a potential peace agreement to conclude the conflict with Russia. The declaration is expected to coincide with the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, as indicated by sources from The Financial Times.

The report, citing Ukrainian and European officials privy to the plans, suggests that both a presidential election, where Zelenskyy plans to run for re-election, and a nationwide referendum could occur before May 15. It is implied that failing to conduct these votes by the specified date could jeopardize the proposed security assurances from the United States.

The Financial Times has emphasized that, unlike previous deadlines set by the U.S., there is significant pressure on Ukraine this time around, given the approaching midterm elections in November.

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A reminder of the past elections is marked with an image showing a ballot box in Rubizhne, Luhansk Region, during the 2020 Ukrainian local elections, amid the COVID-19 pandemic (Photo by Kovalyov Oleksiy/Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images).

One of the challenges potentially hindering this timeline is the ongoing lack of agreement between Moscow and Kyiv on significant territorial disputes, particularly concerning the Donbas region and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power facility. Furthermore, current laws bar national elections under martial law, which will require legislative amendments if elections are to proceed.

Zelenskyy has maintained that issues related to the timing and format of elections are decisions for Ukraine alone, dismissing any prospects of Russian influence over the process. Through several detailed posts in December on X, Zelenskyy noted that the feasibility of elections pivots on two principal factors: security and legislation.

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An image from the Russian-occupied Ukraine in Donetsk (March 14, 2024) portrays a woman casting her ballot, a reflection of the complexities surrounding elections in contested regions (Photo by Stringer/AFP via Getty Images).

Zelenskyy emphasized elections could only occur in territories under Ukrainian control, ensuring participation from soldiers defending the nation. He pointed out that conducting elections in the Russian-occupied regions is unthinkable due to concerns over their legitimacy.

Furthermore, Zelenskyy suggested that a ceasefire, at least during the election or referendum period, might be essential to ensure safety, including maintaining secure airspace and the presence of international observers.

Reports indicate a deadline for these activities following an Associated Press story that the U.S. aims to encourage the conclusion of the war by June. During this time, Ukrainian servicemen are shown voting at a polling station in Velyki Mosty, Lviv Oblast, on July 21, 2019 (Photo by Mykola Tys/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images).

Trilateral discussions among the United States, Russia, and Ukraine took place in Abu Dhabi earlier this February. Despite two meetings, progress was limited, with only a 314-person prisoner exchange, the first such exchange agreed upon in over five months, as a result.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed Washington and Moscow had agreed to resume military-to-military communication, a channel deemed essential for achieving and sustaining peace. Further trilateral talks are anticipated in the coming weeks once the delegations report to their respective capitals.

Ashley Carnahan is a contributor to Fox News Digital.