President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday he is ready to hold Zelenskyy elections in Ukraine and may step down after the war, conditioning a vote on a ceasefire agreement with Russia.
Zelenskyy on Stepping Down After War
In an interview following his address to the United Nations General Assembly, Zelenskyy suggested his primary focus is on ending the war rather than securing another term. He stated his intention is to step aside once the conflict is won. “My goal is to finish the war,” Zelenskyy said.
Conditions for Zelenskyy Elections Outlined
When asked by interviewer Barak Ravid if he would push for elections with a three or six-month ceasefire from President Putin, Zelenskyy replied with a simple “Yes.” He later affirmed this, stating, “If we will finish war with Russia? Yes.“
Ukraine Martial Law Elections Prohibit Vote
Currently, elections cannot be held in the country due to the state of martial law. Ukraine imposed this legal status after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, and it constitutionally prohibits holding national elections.
Zelenskyy Presidential Term Exceeds Mandate
President Zelenskyy was first elected in a landslide victory in 2019 for a five-year term. His original mandate would have concluded in May 2024, meaning his time in office has now extended beyond this period due to the ongoing war.
Focus Remains on a Ceasefire Agreement
The prospect of a vote hinges on securing a Zelenskyy Putin ceasefire agreement, which would pause hostilities and allow for the democratic process to resume. “It’s not my goal, elections,” Zelenskyy clarified. “I want it very much, in a very difficult period of time, to be with my country, help my country.“
