FT: Ukraine plans to announce elections on February 24 after the US told Kyiv to hold them by May 15 — or risk losing proposed US security guarantees.
At the same time, the Zelenskyy Office says elections are impossible without proper security conditions. 1/
At the same time, the Zelenskyy Office says elections are impossible without proper security conditions. 1/
According to the FT, Kyiv is considering holding presidential elections alongside a national referendum on any peace deal with Russia.
Ukrainian and Western officials familiar with the discussions confirm active planning. 2/
Ukrainian and Western officials familiar with the discussions confirm active planning. 2/
The May 15 deadline comes amid White House pressure to finalize a peace framework by June.
Zelenskyy said on February 9 that Washington wants a “clear schedule” and aims to close the war before US midterm campaigning intensifies in November. 3/
Zelenskyy said on February 9 that Washington wants a “clear schedule” and aims to close the war before US midterm campaigning intensifies in November. 3/
February 24 marks four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion. Officials say Zelenskyy may use that date to formally present the election-and-referendum plan. 4/
The legal barrier is martial law. Ukrainian law prohibits national elections during wartime. Around 20% of Ukraine’s territory remains under Russian occupation.
Hundreds of thousands of troops are deployed at the front. Millions of citizens are displaced. 5/
Hundreds of thousands of troops are deployed at the front. Millions of citizens are displaced. 5/
Under the working timeline, parliament would amend legislation in March–April to enable wartime voting. Without a ceasefire, polling stations would remain exposed to drone and missile attacks. 6/
Olha Aivazovska, head of OPORA: “Six months of preparation is not the maximum — it is the minimum.”
She warns that rushing the vote risks damaging legitimacy and future democratic integrity. 7/
She warns that rushing the vote risks damaging legitimacy and future democratic integrity. 7/
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko: “Political competition during war is bad. We can destroy the country from inside. That is Russia’s goal.” 8/
Western officials say at least half of the pre-war registered electorate must participate for the result to be internationally recognized. Lower turnout would give Moscow grounds to question legitimacy. 9/
US officials signal that security guarantees are linked to a broader peace deal, potentially involving territorial concessions in Donbas.
Zelenskyy has publicly rejected ceding territory, stating Ukraine will “stand where we stand.” 10X
Zelenskyy has publicly rejected ceding territory, stating Ukraine will “stand where we stand.” 10X
Source: ft.com/content/50d3d8…
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