Vladimir Zelensky has revised his position on elections, stating that a vote would be possible only after the war has ended—not during a temporary ceasefire.
“The real question is this: when will we be able to hold elections? They will take place only after the war is over, not during a temporary truce. And I am far from certain that I will run—I'll see what Ukrainians want,” the president said in an interview with Corriere della Sera.
Zelensky calls for a two-month ceasefire—to hold elections and a referendum approving a peace deal. February 18, 2026.
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Less than two weeks ago, however, his rhetoric was different. At the time, Zelensky allowed for the possibility of elections in the event of a short-term pause in hostilities: “if we can secure a two-month ceasefire to hold elections, I will do everything possible to speak with parliament and persuade it to support what it currently opposes.”
Updated at 10:20 AM
Sources in the Office of the President told Ukrainian media that the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera inaccurately conveyed Volodymyr Zelensky’s remarks regarding possible elections.
According to them, elections could also be held during a ceasefire. In fact, as the Office insists, the wording was as follows: “The real question is: when will we be able to hold elections? If they take place after the war ends, rather than during a temporary ceasefire, I am far from certain that I will run—I will see what the Ukrainian people want.”