Zelenskyy: "If elections happen after the war, I'm not sure I'll run"

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that elections in Ukraine will only take place after the war is over, not during a temporary ceasefire.

Source: Zelenskyy in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera; the Office of the President of Ukraine in a clarification to Ukrainska Pravda

Quote: "The real question is when we will be able to hold elections. They will definitely take place after the war ends, not during a temporary truce."

Details: Zelenskyy also said he has not yet decided whether he will stand in the next presidential election.

"I am not at all sure that I will run. I will see what Ukrainians want," he said.

Responding to criticism of the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts, the president stressed that Ukraine has established independent institutions capable of combating corruption.

"I support them in every possible way, but investigations must be carried out by them," he added.

Update: The President's Office subsequently provided clarification of Zelenskyy's remarks in response to a question sent in by Ukrainska Pravda.

Zelenskyy was asked: "Will you run in the elections?" He responded: "The real question is: when will we be able to hold elections? If they take place after the war, rather than during a temporary ceasefire, I am not sure I will run – I will see what Ukrainians want."

Background:

• In December 2025, Zelenskyy said he was willing to hold presidential elections if international partners could ensure security during the process. He also expressed readiness to amend legislation on holding elections during martial law and said he was awaiting proposals from parliament.
• In February 2026, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would be prepared to hold elections in the event of a two-month ceasefire and suggested that Russia should also cease hostilities in order to conduct its own elections.

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