As Ukraine approaches the anniversary of the ongoing conflict, President Volodymyr Zelensky is poised to announce plans for elections and a referendum to be held in conjunction with the presidential elections. The timing of this announcement is significant, as Zelensky's current term is set to end on May 20, 2024. This move comes amid ongoing discussions regarding a peace agreement with the United States, which has reached a critical point in negotiations.

The possibility of a referendum has gained traction in recent weeks, as the idea of presenting any potential peace agreement to the Ukrainian public has been floated by both Ukrainian and European sources. Previously, it was reported by Reuters that the conditions for such an initiative had been discussed between US and Ukrainian negotiators, with potential election dates now targeting May of next year. However, Ukraine's martial law complicated the situation, as it has prevented the organization of elections since the war began.

Moreover, the continued existence of martial law has also led to an extension of the Ukrainian parliament's term, which expired in October 2023. The implications of these developments are significant, as they not only address the governance of Ukraine amid conflict but also indicate a potential shift towards democratic processes that could directly involve the citizens in crucial decisions about their country's direction.