Ukraine Says It’s Prepared for Elections—If Russian Attacks Stop

The Office of the President of Ukraine has responded to a recent Financial Times report claiming that the US administration of President Donald Trump has demanded that Ukraine hold presidential elections by May 15, 2026, according to Ukrinform.

Citing ongoing Russian attacks, Ukrainian officials emphasized that elections cannot be seriously considered without guaranteed security.

“If Russians are killing people every day, how can we announce or even seriously consider elections in the coming weeks? No one is against elections, but there must be security,” a source in the President’s Office told Ukrinform.

As reported by the Financial Times, Washington has allegedly urged Kyiv to begin preparations for both presidential elections and a referendum on a possible peace agreement with Russia.

According to sources cited by the outlet, the US linked future security guarantees for Ukraine to the organization of these votes by mid-May.

The FT report indicates that the Ukrainian government is considering holding the referendum and elections simultaneously, possibly in May 2026.

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War in Ukraine

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While President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is said to be open to early elections, officials familiar with the matter told the FT that key logistical and legal issues—including voting in occupied territories—remain unresolved.

According to Financial Times, Ukrainian authorities may announce the election and referendum timeline on February 24, which marks the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. However, domestic officials have downplayed the feasibility of such a timeline, citing continuing Russian strikes and the lack of consensus on core territorial and legal matters.

President Zelenskyy previously stated that elections during wartime are not feasible without a ceasefire and has asked international partners to assist with establishing the necessary infrastructure to ensure safe voting.

On February 6, Zelenskyy said the US is working on a roadmap for peace talks aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine by early summer. He also acknowledged that US domestic political dynamics, including upcoming elections and congressional activity, may influence Washington’s position on Ukraine.

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