Zelensky Plans to Announce Presidential Elections and a Referendum on Concluding Peace with Russia
Ukrainian President Zelensky is expected to announce presidential elections alongside a referendum on a peace treaty with Russia, potentially timed to coincide with the fourth anniversary of the full-scale war on February 24.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to announce the details of a new plan on February 24, which marks the fourth anniversary of the ongoing full-scale war with Russia. This plan includes presidential elections and a referendum regarding a potential peace treaty with Russia. Early discussions indicate that this referendum might take place as soon as May, allowing the citizens of Ukraine to have a say in resolving the conflict that has devastated the nation.
In previous weeks, reports from news agency Reuters revealed that U.S. and Ukrainian delegations have deliberated on the possibility of allowing the decision on peace to be made by the citizens of Ukraine. High-ranking officials have expressed a desire to achieve peace by July 4, which coincides with U.S. Independence Day. However, some Ukrainian legislators, such as Oleksiy Honcharenko from the opposition party European Solidarity, have suggested that there might be a chance to finalize a peace agreement even earlier, by May 15, showcasing the urgency of the situation.
The momentum for peace discussions has notably increased following the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump in January 2025, who has frequently discussed the situation with Russian leadership. This context illustrates the complex geopolitical factors at play as Ukraine navigates the challenging landscape of war and diplomacy, particularly with an eye on the involvement of external powers such as the United States in the peace process.