Zelenskyy Ready for Elections Within 60–90 Days, Seeks International Security Support

Presidential Elections Possible During Wartime

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday he is prepared to hold presidential elections within 60 to 90 days, provided security and legal conditions are met. Speaking to journalists while traveling from Rome to Poland, Zelenskyy urged the US and European partners to help establish the necessary environment for a safe wartime vote.

Security Support From Allies

Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of international security commitments, including weapons, air defense systems, and sanctions to deter aggression. “The US wants Ukraine to have security guarantees so that we can feel it, so that we have weapons … and air defense systems,” he said, adding that details are still under discussion.

He noted that some NATO members remain hesitant about Ukraine’s membership. “We are realists. We truly want to join NATO—that’s fair. But we know for sure that neither the US nor several other countries see Ukraine in the alliance yet. And Russia, of course, will never see us there,” Zelenskyy said.

Elections and Legal Preparations

The Ukrainian president emphasized that decisions on elections belong solely to Ukrainians. He rejected claims that Kyiv is avoiding a vote for political advantage. Zelenskyy has asked lawmakers to draft legislation allowing elections during wartime and stressed the need for legal adjustments, polling station protection, and mechanisms enabling frontline troops to vote.

He confirmed his readiness to run, stating, “I have the will and readiness for this.”

Ongoing Security and Peace Plans

Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine will submit its finalized peace plan to Washington on Wednesday. He also reported that Kyiv is deploying long-range missile systems, including Neptunes, Palyanytsia, Flamingo, and Sapsan.

Regarding Crimea, Zelenskyy acknowledged that Ukraine currently lacks the military capability to retake the peninsula. He also indicated that Kyiv is open to an “energy truce” with Russia to ensure civilian stability, but stressed that any elements of a peace plan involving Europe, such as frozen Russian assets and EU membership, must be accepted by European partners.

With the necessary support mechanisms in place, Zelenskyy concluded that Ukraine could hold elections within two to three months.
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