Zelenskyy explains why he agreed to discuss possible elections and referendum

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that he agreed to discuss the possibility of holding elections and a referendum during wartime so that the US could not accuse him of being unwilling to compromise and to avoid losing the United States as a partner.

Source: Zelenskyy at a briefing following a meeting with security advisers from partner countries

Quote: "As for elections and a referendum. First of all, I have consistently said that it is extremely difficult to hold elections during a war because of the security and legal constraints. But there can be no reasons that stop us on the diplomatic track. I don't want the Americans to level accusations against us that Russia is making certain compromises but Ukraine is not.

That is why I have said: we are prepared to hold elections, but if they are to be held while the war is going on, then help us with a ceasefire, and separately with support for the infrastructure needed to conduct elections. [...]

There are more questions than answers. That is why I've told our MPs: 'You must prepare this sector of efforts.' This does not mean that they [elections – ed.] will take place, but we need to get this ready. It may be that the war continues, certain events continue, and certain demands arise. This does not mean that Ukraine must meet Russia's demands – we are a sovereign state – but we have to find some form of compromise so as not to lose the US in the negotiation process."

Details: Regarding a possible referendum on a peace agreement, Zelenskyy said he does not believe that "anyone in our state – MPs or others – can decide such sensitive issues alone", and that "the people must be given the opportunity to choose whether this suits them or not".

"But this is certainly not a mandatory path, because after the president's signature – or in addition to presidential signatures – there is parliamentary ratification. Of course, parliament can ratify one agreement or another. But if it is a very complex agreement, I am not sure MPs are ready for such decisions," Zelenskyy added.

In the meantime, Zelenskyy stressed that "we are not yet at the point where we can hold either elections or a referendum" and said that security guarantees remain the top priority.

"Without understanding that you have clear security guarantees, how can you take other steps? This is crucial – it makes a repeat of Russian aggression impossible. We need specifics," the president said.

Background:

• Davyd Arakhamiia, leader of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction, has expressed hope that work on the bill regulating elections under martial law could be completed by the end of February.
• Arakhamiia and Ruslan Stefanchuk, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament), also explained to security advisers from partner countries that presidential elections and a referendum on approving a possible peace agreement can only be held if a ceasefire is in place.

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