Elections and referendum: Zelenskyy responds on when there will be clarity on action plan
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (facebook.com/zelenskyy.official)
In Ukraine, a plan outlining the sequence of all actions in the context of peace negotiations and the potential end of the war with Russia is currently being discussed. This specifically involves elections and a referendum, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this in an interview with Bloomberg.
According to the head of the Ukrainian state, the administration of US President Donald Trump wants to sign all documents regarding peace in Ukraine at the same time. He emphasized that Ukraine would need to approve any peace proposal either through a vote in parliament or via a nationwide referendum.
"Right now, we are also discussing a plan outlining the sequence of all our actions, including the signing of documents. I believe that after our next meeting (which may take place on February 16 or 17 — ed.) there will be a clearer understanding," he said.
Elections and referendum
As previously stated by Ukrainian officials, the referendum and the presidential election in Ukraine could take place on the same day.
The head of state has said that he plans to put the entire peace plan of US President Donald Trump to a referendum, with the most controversial issue being the point concerning Donbas. The US authorities had proposed creating a free economic zone there.
President Zelenskyy himself noted that neither Ukraine nor Russia is "enthusiastic" about Washington’s idea.
For the elections and referendum, the Verkhovna Rada (the parliament) would need to draft and adopt the relevant legislation. As of now, elections in Ukraine are prohibited under martial law.
On February 11, the FT reported that the elections and referendum in Ukraine could take place on February 24 — the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
In response to such rumors, a source close to the president told RBC-Ukraine that no announcements about elections would be made until security conditions are ensured.
