Ukrainian Elections and Peace Discussions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has stated that “no one is clinging to power” and expressed a willingness to hold national elections. However, he emphasized that these elections won’t happen without a ceasefire and solid security assurances from the United States, which casts doubt on their near-term possibility.

This week, the idea of new elections in Ukraine surfaced as a means to gain public support for a potential peace deal, renew Zelenskiy’s democratic mandate, and choose a successor. Yet, this proposal was quickly downplayed by officials in Kiev. While two colonels indicated that Zelenskiy’s stance on elections—long overdue due to the ongoing conflict—has not changed much, the president has reiterated that no votes can take place until the country’s security is assured and a ceasefire is established.

Initially, the minimization of discussions around impending elections was attributed to confidential government sources. Later, Zelenskiy himself remarked to an interview that, “Once we have all the necessary security, we will move to elections… I said it is very easy to do. Once we establish a ceasefire, the elections will take place.” He made it clear that the feasibility of these elections hinges significantly on Russia and the United States respecting Ukraine’s negotiating terms.

“We are not afraid of anything. Are we ready for elections? We are ready. Are we ready for a referendum? We are ready,” Zelenskiy stated. Still, he described the notion of holding elections under the current circumstances as Russian propaganda, hinting at the pressure from the U.S. for Ukraine to unite and defend its democratic principles in return for support. “Nobody is clinging to power… I’m ready for elections, but for that, we need security guarantees and a ceasefire,” he reiterated.

These comments highlight the persistent deadlock in both the war and peace negotiations, indicating that real progress is unlikely unless one of the major players changes its stance.

On one side, Ukraine desires an end to the conflict, but it remains committed to fighting until its Western allies provide guarantees of security similar to a NATO arrangement, despite not being an actual member. Meanwhile, the U.S. advocates for peace, cautious of deepening its involvement in a region already contested, dominated significantly by Russian forces. Russia, while professing a desire for peace, is reluctant to relinquish territory gained over the last twelve years or accept Ukraine as a NATO ally.

The Ukrainian government believes it has shown flexibility in negotiations and is calling on other parties to reciprocate. It appears Ukraine has largely abandoned demands for the prosecution of Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials for war crimes after the conflict ends, and it may even be open to tough concessions regarding territorial control, particularly in the Donetsk region.

Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump has been encouraging Zelenskiy for almost a year to secure a renewed democratic mandate, asserting that elections are crucial for Ukraine to “earn a seat at the table” in the peace talks slated for February 2025. In December 2025, Trump remarked, “I think this is the time. I think it’s an important time to have an election… They’re using the war to avoid an election, but I believe the Ukrainian people will… they should.”

“And probably Mr. Zelensky will win. I don’t know who will win, but they haven’t held elections for a long time. There’s talk about democracy, but it seems we’re far from that now.”