Zelensky ready for elections on condition of months-long ceasefire

President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced readiness to hold elections in Ukraine if the parties agree on a ceasefire for several months. According to him, this period could be used simultaneously to work on ending the war and organizing the vote.

Zelensky said this in an interview with CBS News on September 15. The interview was recorded against the backdrop of a new round of diplomatic contacts regarding a possible cessation of hostilities. 

The President explained that he is ready for elections, but considers holding them during the active phase of the war impossible due to legal and security restrictions.

According to Zelensky, one possible scenario could be a ceasefire for several months. During this period, Ukraine could work on further agreements to end the war and in parallel organize the election process.

Zelensky emphasized that the problem is not only formal legal restrictions. Conducting voting under regular Russian attacks raises questions of voter safety, the operation of polling stations, and the organization of the election process itself.

The President named a separate problem the participation of Ukrainians outside the country. According to his estimate, about 9 million Ukrainians are currently abroad, whereas before the full-scale war, about half a million citizens abroad participated in elections.

Zelensky also drew attention to citizens remaining in the temporarily occupied territories. According to him, it is necessary to decide whether they can vote, how this process should be organized, and who can guarantee its control in areas where Russian military personnel are present.

Back in August, Zelensky opposed holding elections directly during an active war, calling such a scenario a great risk for the country. The new statement clarifies the condition under which he allows the organization of voting - a temporary ceasefire of sufficient duration.

Based on materials: CBS News