Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi has publicly denied reports from Financial Times suggesting he was planning to announce presidential elections to be held on February 24, along with a possible referendum on a peace agreement. According to Zelenskyi, these claims are unfounded and he emphasized that elections can only be organized under the condition of a ceasefire. This statement was made in response to inquiries from journalists via WhatsApp, where he clarified his position regarding the ongoing conflict and the election process in Ukraine.

Zelenskyi highlighted the necessity for a ceasefire as a prerequisite for holding democratic elections, underlining the significant role that European and U.S. involvement could play in negotiating peace with Russia. His remarks indicate a cautious approach to the electoral process amidst ongoing unrest, suggesting that Ukraine's partners have raised the topic of elections, but the Ukrainian government maintains that it has not prioritized this issue itself. Zelenskyi's insistence on adequate security guarantees for the elections reflects the complexity and volatility of the current situation in Ukraine.

The implications of Zelenskyi's statements are profound; they highlight the intertwining of political processes with the realities of war in Ukraine. Without a stabilized environment ensured by a ceasefire, the prospect of elections remains uncertain. His calls for diplomatic negotiations involving Western partners underline the need for a collaborative international response to achieve lasting peace and democratic governance in Ukraine amidst the conflict.