The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has stated that Ukraine is prepared to organise presidential elections if the Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, agrees to a complete ceasefire for 60 days. The head of state made these remarks on 11 October in an interview with the American television channel ABC News, in response to US President Donald Trump’s call for a change in Ukraine’s leadership. Zelenskyy emphasised that the Ukrainian people alone should elect the president, and that holding an election during a war requires appropriate security conditions.
- Zelenskyy has stated that he is prepared to organise elections, provided there is a 60-day ceasefire.
- The President asked Trump to convey a proposal for a complete ceasefire to Putin.
- Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine’s leader is elected solely by the Ukrainian people.
- Trump has stated that the President of Ukraine needs to be replaced.
Zelenskyy responded to Trump’s demand that the President of Ukraine be replaced
During an interview on the programme ‘This Week’ on the TV channel ABC News journalist Jonathan Carl asked Vladimir Zelensky comment statement Donald Trump on the need for a change of Ukrainian president.
Zelenskyy emphasised that the matter of electing the head of state falls within the remit of Ukrainian society, not foreign politicians. The President explained that Ukraine is at war, and therefore organising elections requires safe conditions and the necessary infrastructure.
He also stated that the Russian leader Vladimir Putin is keen to see a change of president in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy proposed a 60-day complete ceasefire to Putin
The Head of State stated that he had already put forward a proposal to Donald Trump’s team regarding the organisation of elections, provided that hostilities ceased.
Zelenskyy has asked the American side to convey to Putin the need for a two-month ceasefire.
According to the president, if Russia ensures a full ceasefire for 60 days, Ukraine will organise elections. At the same time, Zelenskyy emphasised that the Ukrainian authorities are prepared to accept whatever the outcome of the people’s vote may be.
The President therefore linked the possibility of holding elections to an end to Russian attacks and the establishment of appropriate security conditions.
Why did Trump start talking about a change of president in Ukraine?
On 10 October, Donald Trump publicly criticised Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stating that Ukraine needed a new president capable of negotiating an end to the war with Russia. The American leader also accused the Ukrainian president in their reluctance to conclude a peace agreement.
The statements were made against the backdrop of a dispute over Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries and Washington’s agreements with Moscow regarding supply of diesel fuel.
Trump linked Ukraine’s strikes on Russian oil refineries to the rise in diesel prices in the US. Zelenskyy, for his part, rejected the accusations and emphasised that Russia continues to attack Ukraine’s civilian and energy infrastructure.
Ukraine is ready for an energy truce
In an interview with ABC News, Zelenskyy also stated that Ukraine is prepared to cease attacks on Russian oil refineries, provided that Moscow stops attacking Ukraine’s energy sector.
The President proposed beginning the de-escalation process by mutually ceasing attacks on energy infrastructure. He emphasised that Ukraine is committed to peace and is prepared to consider various measures to reduce the intensity of hostilities.
Does Ukrainian law permit elections to be held during a war?
Currently Article 19 The Law of Ukraine «On the Legal Regime of Martial Law» prohibits the holding of presidential, parliamentary and local elections whilst martial law is in force. During the interview, Zelenskyy specifically highlighted the legal and security obstacles.
In order to hold an election, conditions must be created under which citizens can safely exercise their right to vote. The declaration of a 60-day ceasefire will not, in itself, result in the automatic scheduling of an election. Legal and organisational issues must also be resolved for this to happen.
