Russia makes statement on 'silence' for Ukraine elections
Photo: Mikhail Galuzin (from open sources)
Russia has declared that it is prepared to guarantee "silence" on the day of possible elections in Ukraine, if Kyiv decides to hold them, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin in an interview with TASS.
Read also: Zelenskyy: Putin is a slave to war, guarantees must come first
Russia's statements on elections
The Russian diplomat said Moscow is supposedly ready to guarantee a "quiet" day on the vote if Ukrainian authorities proceed with elections.
He also mentioned that Russia is willing to discuss with the US and other countries the possibility of temporary external administration of Ukraine under the UN.
Ukraine's position
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that elections can only take place after hostilities cease and security guarantees are in place. In the event of a ceasefire, Ukraine is prepared to begin organizing the electoral process after the necessary preparation period.
"I'm very honest. Give us two months of ceasefire, and we will hold elections. Give us a ceasefire and security infrastructure. Maybe not two months exactly, but we need many days to prepare," Zelenskyy said.
The president also emphasized that Ukraine does not plan to announce elections without proper security conditions, stressing that voting is only possible under a stable ceasefire.
Elections during wartime
Recently, media outlets have debated the possibility of holding elections in Ukraine. Publications such as The Economist and Financial Times reported, citing sources, that presidential elections could take place in 2026, with May mentioned as a possible date.
The President's Office responded cautiously to such reports, highlighting that achieving a just peace remains the main priority. Zelenskyy also said that suggesting elections on February 24, the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, is inappropriate.
RBC-Ukraine previously analyzed whether elections are feasible under martial law from a technical and legal standpoint, and what obstacles could prevent them.
