Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia has agreed to only a one-day ceasefire to hold elections, although Kiev says at least 60 days are needed.
In an interview with Axios, Zelensky called the Russian proposal absurd and suggested that it may indicate Moscow's unwillingness to achieve real peace.
The Ukrainian leader admitted that the possibility of presidential elections combined with a referendum is being discussed, but no final decision has been made. He stressed that without a stable ceasefire, it is impossible to ensure a fair campaign and voting.
The deputy speaker of the Ukrainian parliament, Oleksandr Kornienko, expressed a similar view, saying that Ukrainian legislation provides for a 60-day period for early elections. He described elections "under shahids" or gunfire as unacceptable. The question also remains of holding elections during martial law, which is not permitted under the current legal framework.
Zelensky also accused US President Donald Trump of exerting undue pressure during negotiations to end the war, calling it "unfair" for Trump to publicly call on Kyiv to make concessions while criticizing Moscow less. The Ukrainian president hopes that this is just a negotiating tactic and not Washington's definitive position.
At the same time, he stressed that any plan that would require Ukraine to give up more parts of Donbas would not pass in a referendum. According to him, citizens would never forgive the loss of territory that Russia does not even control. However, Zelensky admitted that freezing the front line at its current positions could gain public support.
Meanwhile, talks between representatives of Ukraine, Russia, and the US continue in Geneva on Tuesday.
(reuters)