FT: Zelensky plans to announce the holding of elections and a referendum in Ukraine on February 24
Ukraine is preparing to hold presidential elections and a referendum on a peace agreement with Russia, with President Zelensky set to announce plans on February 24.
Ukraine is currently working on the logistics to conduct presidential elections and a referendum regarding a potential peace agreement with Russia. This initiative comes amid pressure from the U.S. government for Kyiv to accomplish both processes by May 15, or risk losing U.S. security guarantees. According to a Financial Times report, President Volodymyr Zelensky intends to reveal these plans on the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, February 24.
The report cites European and Ukrainian officials involved in the planning, who indicated that the pressure from Washington is significant as it seeks to finalize peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia by spring. President Zelensky has also acknowledged that the U.S. desires an end to the war in Ukraine by June, presenting a timeline that emphasizes the urgency behind these elections and the referendum.
This move by Ukraine could potentially reshape the geopolitical landscape, especially considering the ongoing conflict with Russia. If conducted successfully, these democratic processes may reinforce Ukraine's sovereignty and autonomy in the face of external threats, while simultaneously addressing international expectations around stability and governance during a time of war.