Peace deal only with public approval - Zelenskyy names possible referendum timeline
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (facebook.com/zelenskyy.official)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that any peace agreement must be acceptable to the Ukrainian people. A referendum could take place within a few months, Zelenskyy said in an interview with The Atlantic.
Read also: Zelenskyy outlines conditions under which elections will be held in Ukraine
The President noted that the country’s military and political leadership does not rule out holding a referendum on a peace agreement with Russia.
"A referendum would have a lot of force in terms of guaranteeing security for Ukraine, because I’m sure that the whole world would recognize the referendum if it’s carried out in the right way," he said.
Zelenskyy emphasized that if a real compromise is reached with Russia, a nationwide referendum could be held within several months.
He also commented on the possibility of holding a referendum simultaneously with presidential elections. Zelenskyy believes such a move could increase voter turnout and provide additional legitimacy to the process.
Rumors about elections in Ukraine
A few months ago, US President Donald Trump raised the issue of presidential elections in Ukraine.
On Wednesday, February 11, the Financial Times reported that Volodymyr Zelenskyy could allegedly announce the date of elections and a referendum on the US peace plan on February 24 — the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
According to the outlet, the United States is demanding that elections and a referendum in Ukraine be held before May 15. Later, the Ukrainian President called the idea of announcing elections on the anniversary of the full-scale invasion a "foolish idea."
An RBC-Ukraine source close to the Ukrainian President said that security conditions are necessary before announcing an election date.
Zelenskyy has repeatedly stated that a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia is required to hold elections.
