Zelenskyy names condition under which he will definitely run for second term
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, (photo: president.gov.ua)
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, will run for a second term if the war with Russia has not ended by the time elections are held, Tagesschau reports.
"Everyone who raises the topic of elections, I tell them: look, I am ready immediately. Ensure security for us to hold elections, and ensure a ceasefire for that time. That's all," Zelenskyy said.
According to the President of Ukraine, if, during negotiations, it is possible to secure a two-month ceasefire, then elections are entirely possible.
"For now, I remain within this (first presidential – ed.) term not by my own will. It has simply been extended (because of the war – ed.). I don't know whether I will run in the elections. If there is still war — yes, certainly. If there is peace, it's not a fact that I will run," the head of state added.
Elections and Zelenskyy's second term
The topic of elections has begun to be actively discussed in Ukraine. According to Reuters, Kyiv and Washington have held discussions about the possible conclusion of a peace agreement with Russia as early as March of this year. In addition, presidential elections and a referendum are allegedly planned for May.
At the same time, Zelenskyy previously stated that if there is at least a two-month truce, he is ready to hold presidential elections. At the same time, he believes that Russia wants to replace him.
In the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's parliament), it is proposed to oblige candidates in post-war elections to declare cooperation with Russia since 2014 and to provide for the possibility of refusing registration for concealing such facts.
More details about why the White House is rushing Ukraine toward elections in the midst of war, and who may win, can be read in the RBC-Ukraine article.
